Atlanta Falcons drop Younghoe Koo as Parker Romo locks in starter role with flawless kicks

Younghoe Koo was released by the Atlanta Falcons on Friday, September 19, 2025, the team announced from Flowery Branch, Georgia. The move came after Parker Romo made five field goals in Atlanta’s 22-6 road win at the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, September 14, 2025.

Koo had been the Falcons’ kicker since 2019. The team signed Romo to the active roster and named him starter for next game. The decision was fast and it surprised fans in Atlanta and sports writers who follow the club closely.

Younghoe Koo and Parker Romo during Week 2 and after the game

Younghoe Koo did not travel to Minneapolis for the Week 2 game. Coach Raheem Morris elevated Parker Romo from the practice squad for the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 14, 2025.

Romo made five field goals of 38, 29, 33, 33 and 54 yards and was 5-for-5 in the win.

Atlanta used Romo’s kicks to build a lead and close out the Vikings. After that performance the Falcons signed Romo to the 53-man roster and announced he would remain the starter against the Carolina Panthers.

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Younghoe Koo’s recent form and missed kicks

Younghoe Koo struggled in 2024, making 25 of 34 field goals for a 73.5 percent rate. He missed a potential game-tying 44-yard kick in the season opener at Tampa Bay on September 8, 2025 and was benched the next week.

Koo has been a Pro Bowl kicker and was very accurate for the Falcons from 2019 to 2023, but his numbers slipped. After the release he posted on Instagram thanking the Falcons and the fans for six years. He wrote he had “nothing but love and respect” and said he was “full of gratitude and excitement” to continue his career. He will look for a new team and keep working. Parker Romo will get a chance in Week 3 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Sunday as fans watch closely and judge too.