Falcons pick up Neal’s fifth-year option

January 6, 2018 Los Angeles: Falcons safety Keanu Neal reacts to leveling Rams running back Todd Gurley with a hard hit during the second half in their NFL Wild Card Game on Saturday, January 6, 2018, in Los Angeles.    Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

Credit: ccompton@ajc.com

Credit: ccompton@ajc.com

January 6, 2018 Los Angeles: Falcons safety Keanu Neal reacts to leveling Rams running back Todd Gurley with a hard hit during the second half in their NFL Wild Card Game on Saturday, January 6, 2018, in Los Angeles. Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

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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