Falcons Release Kicker Matt Bryant, Sign Younghoe Koo as Replacement

The Atlanta Falcons released veteran kicker Matt Bryant on Tuesday and signed Younghoe Koo to their active roster.

Bryant, 44, was the second-oldest player in the NFL behind Adam Vinatieri. He has struggled to find his rhythm through the first seven games of the season, knocking down just nine of his 14 attempts and missing an extra point. Long-distance kicks have been the biggest issue, with Bryant missing four of his six attempts from 50-plus yards.

Koo, 25, has not been an active member of an NFL roster since struggling briefly with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2017. He was on the New England Patriots practice squad for a short time this season but was released Oct. 15.

“I’ve got a long history with him, so I know kind of where it's at,” Falcons coach Dan Quinn said of Bryant after working out Koo and Elliott Fry on Monday. “Over the last few weeks, we've missed the mark. Like anything, you want to take a look and evaluate.”

The Falcons previously released Bryant in February but brought him back in August after Giorgio Tavecchio and Blair Walsh failed to impress during the preseason. He is currently the 13th-most accurate kicker in NFL history, having previously spent time with the New York Giants and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Kicking is far from the only issue for the 1-7 Falcons, who appear destined to play out the string of their second half before making major changes. Quinn's seat is arguably the hottest in the NFL. Owner Arthur Blank hinted at changes coming during the team's bye week, though it appears Quinn will be safe through the end of the season.

Koo, meanwhile, will attempt to make the most of the opportunity in a way he couldn't during his first NFL tenure. He is the fourth player born in South Korea in NFL history.