Neasman elated to be back with Falcons

Falcons safety Sharrod Neasman is ready for a new role - to back up at strong safety and play on special teams. It sure beats his most recent position.

With free safety Ricardo Allen being placed on injured reserve on Tuesday, the Falcons signed Neasman, who was with the team in 2016 and 2017.

“It was exciting when I got the call and they wanted to bring me in,” Neasman said. “I was looking forward to coming and working with the guys that I’m so familiar with. Guys that I’ve gone through so much with. It was a blessing to get that call and come back.”

Neasman played in 11 games last season. He played in six games including three playoff games in 2016. He signed a one-year, $630,000 deal with the Saints after his contract ran out with the Falcons. He was released by the Saints on Sept. 4.

“You never want to be a free agent at home working out,” Neasman said. “You’re just stay hungry and when the call comes, you just have to be ready for it. It is a lot of weight off your shoulders because you know you’re a part of something now.”

Falcons coach Dan Quinn wanted someone familiar with the defense.

“With Rico going down, he was another guy who had some impact in the system as well as playing on teams,” Quinn said. “That’s the role for him.”