Full Breakdown
Atlanta Falcons Release Kicker Younghoe Koo, Sign Parker Romo as Replacement
9/20/2025, 12:05:00 AM
Falcons Part Ways with Younghoe Koo
The Atlanta Falcons have officially released kicker Younghoe Koo, marking the end of his six-season tenure with the team. Koo, who ranks third in franchise history with 700 points, had been a reliable kicker since joining the Falcons in 2019, including a Pro Bowl selection in 2020. However, his performance declined significantly in recent seasons, culminating in a disappointing start to the 2025 season.
Koo's struggles became evident during the Falcons' Week 1 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he missed a crucial 44-yard field goal attempt that could have tied the game. Following this, Koo was benched for the Week 2 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings, during which Parker Romo stepped in as the starting kicker. Romo excelled in his debut, successfully converting all five of his field goal attempts, including a long of 54 yards, leading to a 22-6 victory.
Performance Decline and Decision to Release
Koo's decline in performance was notable, as he converted only 73.5% of his field goals in 2024, missing a career-high nine attempts. This drop in accuracy, combined with his failure to deliver in critical moments, prompted the Falcons to seek alternatives. Coach Raheem Morris indicated that the decision to move on from Koo was influenced by the need for reliability in the kicking game, especially after the team lost several close games in the previous season.
The Falcons will incur $1.25 million in dead money due to Koo's release but will save $4.25 million against the salary cap. This financial maneuver reflects the team's commitment to improving their roster and addressing performance issues.
Parker Romo's Rise to Starting Kicker
Parker Romo, who was signed to the Falcons' practice squad after Koo's Week 1 miss, has now been elevated to the starting kicker position. His successful performance against the Vikings solidified his role, with Morris stating, “We’re going to go with Romo. He earned it last week going 5-for-5.” Romo's journey to this point has been marked by various stints across the NFL, including time with the New Orleans Saints, Detroit Lions, and the XFL's San Antonio Brahmas.
Romo's ascent is particularly meaningful as he is a Georgia native, and he expressed excitement about representing his home state. “It’s super special for me to be able to put on for the city of Atlanta because I spent 17 years of my life in Georgia,” he said.
Official Statements & Responses
In a heartfelt message on social media, Koo expressed gratitude towards the Falcons organization and fans, stating, “I will forever be grateful for the support from the fans during my time here. I have nothing but love and respect for everyone in the building.” His departure marks a significant shift for the Falcons, who are now looking to Romo to provide stability in the kicking game moving forward.
What's Next for the Falcons
As the Falcons prepare for their Week 3 matchup against the Carolina Panthers, all eyes will be on Parker Romo as he takes on the responsibilities of the starting kicker. The team hopes that Romo's performance will help them secure a victory and build momentum for the rest of the season.
