National Football League

Falcons keeping Vance Walker, Joe Zelenka

Published Mar. 23, 2012 6:24 p.m. ET

foxsports

Falcons defensive tackle Vance Walker has signed his $1.26 million tender as a restricted free agent.

Walker had 25 tackles with two sacks in his third season with the Falcons in 2011. He also had a forced fumble and fumble recovery while playing in all 16 games as a backup last season. The Falcons would have received a seventh-round draft pick if another team signed Walker and Atlanta did not match the offer.

The Falcons also on Friday announced that long snapper Joe Zelenka has signed to return for his fourth season. Terms were not announced.

Zelenka spent eight seasons in Jacksonville before signing with the Falcons on Dec. 1, 2009.

Walker has played in 42 games, including two starts.