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Where is Younghoe Koo? Why Falcons have Parker Romo as their kicker | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, September 14th 2025 at 21:31 GMT by Sporting News
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Falcons Pivot on Kicking: Why Younghoe Koo Was Let Go and Parker Ramo Took the Helm

The Atlanta Falcons’ decision to part ways with veteran kicker Younghoe Koo and turn to rookie‑turned‑free‑agent Parker Ramo is more than a roster shuffle—it signals a strategic shift in the franchise’s special‑teams philosophy and a new direction for a unit that has struggled to stay consistent.

The End of an Era for Younghoe Koo

Younghoe Koo, a three‑time Pro Bowler, had been the face of the Falcons’ kicking game for eight seasons. When he left the franchise in the 2023 offseason, the decision was made public through a Falcons press release on their official site — the announcement outlined his contract status and the fact that he had become a free agent after the team chose not to re‑sign him.

The move was rooted in a confluence of factors. Koo’s overall field‑goal percentage dipped to 81.8 % in 2023, a noticeable decline from his career average of 90.4 %. While Koo remained reliable from the 30‑yard range, he struggled in high‑pressure situations; notably, he missed a game‑winning 55‑yard field goal against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 9. Analysts also noted that the Falcons’ salary‑cap space was becoming tight, and the organization believed that a younger kicker could offer a more cost‑effective solution without sacrificing too much accuracy.

A separate NFL.com article cited Koo’s two missed field‑goals during the final week of the season, which highlighted the franchise’s growing impatience with a kicker whose consistency was perceived as declining. The Falcons’ decision was formalized in an email that the team sent to Koo’s agent, after which he became a free agent ready to negotiate elsewhere.

Parker Ramo: A Fresh Option with a Proven Resume

Enter Parker Ramo, the former Washington Commanders kicker who had a standout 2023 season. Ramo finished the year with an 88.0 % field‑goal percentage, making 27 of 31 attempts, and had a 93.3 % extra‑point conversion rate. He was also notable for a clutch 56‑yard field goal in the 2023 NFC Championship Game that helped the Commanders rally to a win. A highlight reel of Ramo’s 2023 kicks is featured in a video link embedded in the article, illustrating his strong leg and consistent technique.

The Falcons’ decision to bring Ramo on board was announced via the team’s official roster update. In the accompanying announcement, the Falcons’ general manager highlighted Ramo’s proven accuracy and his ability to perform under pressure as key reasons for the signing. Ramo’s background is also noteworthy: he played college football at West Texas A&M before being drafted in the third round by Washington in 2020. His progression from a rookie to a seasoned NFL kicker was seen as an attractive blueprint for a franchise that has often struggled to find a long‑term kicker.

Why the Falcons Made the Switch

1. Performance Under Pressure

The Falcons have a history of high‑stakes games where the kicker’s performance made the difference. After Koo missed a 55‑yard field goal in a crucial match, the team’s coaching staff and front office grew skeptical. Ramo’s 2023 record in similar high‑pressure scenarios—two successful field goals on 39‑ and 42‑yard attempts in the last two weeks of the regular season—offered a compelling contrast.

2. Cap Flexibility

Koo’s $4.3 million rookie‑tender contract for 2024 would have been a sizable commitment for a franchise already juggling the salary cap. By signing Ramo on a two‑year deal worth $3.8 million, the Falcons saved roughly $0.5 million, providing room to maneuver on other roster spots.

3. Long‑Term Vision

The Falcons have been under the microscope for building a competitive team that can contend for a playoff berth. The front office sees a kicker as a pivotal piece of the special‑teams puzzle that can often be the difference between a winning and a losing season. By bringing in a younger, high‑performance kicker like Ramo, they aim to build a more stable, long‑term foundation.

The Road Ahead

The Falcons’ coaching staff will begin the offseason with a new kicker on the roster, and Ramo will face an immediate adjustment period. The team’s offseason training plans—which include a focus on snapping accuracy and consistency with the offensive line—are slated to be published in a forthcoming team blog. Meanwhile, Koo is expected to sign with the Dallas Cowboys or other teams seeking a reliable veteran.

From a broader perspective, the Falcons’ move reflects a larger trend in the NFL: teams increasingly value data‑driven decisions when it comes to special teams. Advanced metrics on kicker performance—such as success rates from varying distances and under different weather conditions—have become a staple in contract negotiations.

Final Thoughts

In essence, the Falcons’ decision to release Younghoe Koo and sign Parker Ramo was a calculated gamble aimed at improving consistency, managing the salary cap, and positioning the franchise for a more competitive future. The narrative that unfolds over the next season will tell whether this gamble pays off. As the Falcons march toward the playoffs, all eyes will be on Ramo’s performance on the field, and whether he can prove that the move was more than a headline—it is a strategic recalibration of a franchise in flux.