For the second straight offseason, the Falcons and Kemal Ishmael have agreed to terms on a one-year deal. The team announced Wednesday the safety will remain in the fold.
A seventh-round pick in 2013, Ishmael has played his entire career with the Falcons. He saw action in all 16 regular-season games last season, representing depth.
The 25-year-old defender saw action at both safety and linebacker last season, playing 126 defensive snaps. A Falcons/Ishmael reunion was rumored late last month and the organization clearly likes what the the former Central Florida defender brings to the table.
Ishmael’s 12 special teams tackles were tied for 12th last season and second among Falcons. He’s now in line to continue working in this capacity in 2018. Atlanta placed a second-round RFA tender on Ricardo Allen and has Keanu Neal signed as its other starting safety. The team is currently light on backup linebackers, an area that will likely be addressed in the draft, however.