As expected, the Falcons picked up the fifth-year option on safety Keanu Neal on Wednesday.

Neal, who missed most of last season after suffering a season-ending knee injury in the season opener, was drafted in the first round (17th overall) of the 2017 draft.

Neal, 23, went to the Pro Bowl after the 2017 season.

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Atlanta Falcons defensive end Jalon Walker looks on moments before the Atlanta Falcons face the Buffalo Bills at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Monday, Oct. 13, 2025. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

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Members of the conversion crew take a break as the main scoreboard is lowered to the floor to be worked on as the arena gets ready for the next concert at State Farm Arena, Thursday, October 2, 2025, in Atlanta. The crew was working on creating a stage for the Friday, Oct. 3 Maxwell concert. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com