:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63345787/kemal.0.jpg)
The Atlanta Falcons have decided to bring back their safety/linebacker hybrid and key special teamer, Kemal Ishmael, on a one year pact.
Falcons are bringing LB Kemal Ishmael back on a one-year contract.
— Jason Butt (@JasonHButt) April 3, 2019
Ishmael enters his seventh NFL season in 2019, and he has spent all seven with Atlanta. Kemal was drafted in the 2013 NFL Draft, with the 243rd selection overall, and has outlasted most of his draft class not just with the Falcons but in general. He has proven reliable, and more importantly flexible when it comes to his position. From 2013-2015, Kemal played mostly at safety, until 2016 when the team switched him to linebacker. In both roles, he’s shown a knack for making big run stops and plays on the ball, however sparingly.
In 2018, Ishmael saw a significant drop-off in his defensive involvement, failing to record a start for the first time since 2013. He was, however, very useful on special teams, playing 74.6% of the snaps. With new special teams coordinator Ben Kotwica joining and the Falcons always in need of experienced, capable depth, it’s great to see Ishmael back for another season.