The Atlanta Falcons made a significant decision recently by releasing kicker Younghoe Koo, a player who has been with the organization since 2019. This move has raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike, signaling a potential shift in the team’s special teams strategy as they prepare for the upcoming season.
On September 19, 2025, the Falcons announced that they had struck a deal to sign Parker Romo to their 53-man roster following Koo’s release. Romo had previously demonstrated his capabilities during Atlanta’s recent victory over the Minnesota Vikings, successfully nailing all five of his field goal attempts, which included a notable 54-yarder.
Younghoe Koo’s Legacy with the Falcons
During his tenure with the Falcons, Younghoe Koo established himself as one of the top kickers in the league. Until the 2024 season, Koo consistently posted impressive field goal success rates, placing him among the league leaders. Over the years, he became a record holder for the Falcons, amassing a remarkable total of 700 points, making him the third highest scorer in franchise history, trailing only distinct names like Matt Bryant and Morten Andersen.
Perhaps his standout moment came in 2020 when he led the league with 37 field goals at a success rate of 94.9%. This impressive performance earned him a spot in the Pro Bowl that year. However, Koo’s consistency hit a snag in recent years, particularly during the previous season where his conversion rate of 73.5% marked the lowest of his career in Atlanta.
Shifting Focus to Parker Romo
The Falcons’ management decided to pivot away from Koo at the start of the 2025 season, placing their trust in Romo. The kicker’s journey took an early obstacle when Koo missed a crucial 44-yard field goal in the dying seconds of their Week 1 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This miss would have tied the game. As a result, Koo’s record in high-pressure late-game situations now stands at 11 out of 16 attempts, lending credibility to the decision to sign Romo.
With Romo stepping in as the team’s starter, the Falcons will embrace a new chapter—and it appears they are moving forward strategically. Romo’s solid performance in his debut gives the coaching staff confidence in his ability to contribute positively to the team’s kicking game. Notably, Romo’s presence on the roster reflects a broader strategy in the franchise as it looks to bolster performance in critical game moments.
What’s Next for Younghoe Koo?
Following his release, Koo expressed deep gratitude towards the Falcons organization through an emotional Instagram post. “I want to thank the Falcons organization for giving me an opportunity when no one else would six years ago,” he wrote. Koo’s journey from being an underdog to a cherished part of the Falcons family is one of resilience and growth.
Despite the transition, Koo’s career statistics remain remarkable. During his years with the Falcons, he successfully completed 178 of 205 field goal attempts, showcasing a career-long kick of 58 yards. His scoring breakdown further illustrates his capability:
- 35-39 yards: 29-of-33 (87.9%)
- 40-44 yards: 23-of-30 (82.8%)
- 45-49 yards: 24-of-29 (82.8%)
- 50-plus yards: 29-of-40 (72.5%)
Although Koo is now officially a free agent, the Falcons’ decision incurs a financial implication with a reported $1.25 million in dead money this year, yet it provides an immediate cap saving of $4.25 million. This move might also indicate a shift in the organization’s financial strategy moving forward.
Conclusion: Embracing Change
The release of Younghoe Koo is more than just a roster change for the Atlanta Falcons; it’s a symbolic move that reflects their larger goals for improvement. With Parker Romo taking the reins, the Falcons are hopeful this transition will enhance their special teams unit and overall performance on the field. As the team prepares to face upcoming challenges, the focus remains on building a roster that can contend in the NFL.
FAQs About Younghoe Koo and the Falcons
1. Why was Younghoe Koo released by the Falcons?
The Falcons released Koo to bring in Parker Romo as their starting kicker, hoping to improve their kicking game after Koo’s inconsistent performance in recent seasons.
2. What were Younghoe Koo’s achievements during his time with the Falcons?
Koo became one of the top kickers in the league, scoring 700 points, which is third in franchise history, and made a league-high 37 field goals during the 2020 season.
3. What are the implications of Koo’s release on the Falcons’ salary cap?
The Falcons will take on $1.25 million in dead money but will save $4.25 million towards the salary cap with this move, which reflects a strategic financial decision.
4. Who is Parker Romo?
Parker Romo is the newly signed kicker for the Falcons, known for his strong performance in a recent game against the Vikings, where he made all five field goal attempts.
5. How did Younghoe Koo express his feelings after being released?
Koo expressed gratitude on Instagram, thanking the Falcons organization for the opportunities and support he received during his six seasons with the team.
