The Atlanta Falcons released veteran kicker Younghoe Koo on Friday, ending his seven-season tenure with the team after a sharp decline in accuracy and a costly miss in the season opener.
Koo, 31, was inactive for last week’s 22-6 win over the Minnesota Vikings and did not travel with the team. In his place, Parker Romo went 5-for-5 on field goals, including a 54-yarder, and was signed to the 53-man roster on a two-year deal. Falcons coach Raheem Morris confirmed Romo will start Sunday against the Carolina Panthers.
“I want to thank the Falcons organization for giving me an opportunity when no one else would six years ago,” Koo posted on Instagram Friday. “This place helped me grow as a kicker and as a man. 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. I wish y’all the best. I’m full of gratitude and excitement as I continue my journey in this league.”
Koo converted 25 of 34 field-goal attempts last season, his 73.5 percent success rate the lowest of his career. His final attempt for the Falcons came in Week 1 of this season, a missed 44-yard try in the closing seconds of a 23-20 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The South Korean-born Koo joined Atlanta in 2019 and went on to become one of the NFL’s most reliable kickers. He was a Pro Bowl selection in 2020 after leading the league with 37 made field goals on 39 attempts and departs as the Falcons’ third all-time leading scorer with 700 points, trailing only Matt Bryant and Morten Andersen.
