The Falcons have announced that they have re-signed safety/linebacker Kemal Ishmael. Ishmael is the eighth player from the 2016 team the Falcons have re-signed or extended, including cornerback Robert Alford and tackle Ryan Schraeder.
"We are pleased to be able to get Kemal back," said General Manager Thomas Dimitroff. "He is one of the toughest competitors we have and continued to battle every week last year despite a shoulder injury. He has shown the ability to play both safety and linebacker for us and that will continue to be valuable in our scheme."
The fourth-year safety out of Central Florida played in 13 games with four starts last season for the Falcons, posting 49 total tackles (29 solo). Ishmael saw action at both safety and linebacker in 2016. In week two, he tied his career high with 15 total tackles (13 solo) and added one pass defensed at Oakland.
Ishmael got his start with the team when he was selected as the first of three seventh round (243rd overall) draft choices by Atlanta in 2013. He has played in 49 games – 19 starts – during his stay with the Falcons, tallying 188 total tackles, five interceptions, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and 11 passes defensed.
