The Atlanta Falcons shook up their roster this week, and the Washington Commanders may have an opportunity to benefit from it. The Falcons released veteran kicker Younghoe Koo, once regarded as one of the most consistent legs in football. The move came after rookie Parker Romo nailed five field goals in a win over the Minnesota Vikings, convincing coaches to make a permanent change, per Yahoo Sports.
The surprise release immediately sent shockwaves across the league and should draw the attention of the Washington Commanders, who are facing their own issues at kicker.
Koo’s Ups and Downs in Atlanta
Koo’s NFL journey has been anything but ordinary. As Yahoo Sports pointed out, he “revived his career” with the Falcons in 2019 after bouncing out of the league. He quickly transformed into one of the NFL’s most accurate specialists, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2020 and making clutch kicks that kept Atlanta competitive.
For several seasons, he was considered among the most reliable kickers in the sport. That reputation, however, took a hit in recent years. Injuries limited his consistency, and his accuracy began to dip, opening the door for competition. By 2025, the Falcons were ready to move on, deciding that Romo’s breakout performance was enough to make him the future.
Even so, Koo is only 30 years old and remains a proven commodity. A change of scenery could help him rediscover the form that once made him a centerpiece in Atlanta’s special teams unit.
Washington’s Struggles With Gay
The Commanders’ current kicker, Matt Gay, has been a major problem through the first two weeks. Gay, drafted in the fifth round by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2019, has converted just 33.3 percent of his field goals this season. That mark ties him for dead last in the NFL.
According to ESPN’s game logs, Gay has scored only seven total points in 2025, a figure that also ranks 32nd among active kickers. While he has been perfect on extra points, his inability to hit from distance has already left Washington leaving points on the field.
For a team with an offense still finding its rhythm, having an unreliable kicker makes every possession riskier.
Why the Commanders Should Act Now
Special teams rarely dominate headlines, but they often decide the outcome of games. With Quinn’s squad already navigating major injuries on both sides of the ball, the margin for error is slim. Washington cannot afford to waste scoring chances because of missed field goals.
Fans are already voicing their concerns. Brandon, a Commanders supporter on X, wrote, “I really think if Matt Gay continues to have kicking struggles vs the Raiders, the team will have no other choice but to bring another kicker in. Can’t leave points on the board…” The sentiment captures the urgency for Washington to stabilize a position that could swing the outcome of close games.
Koo may not be flawless, but compared to Gay’s early struggles, he offers an immediate upgrade. Washington has a chance to seize a rare opportunity to sign a proven kicker without needing to trade assets. If the Commanders are serious about competing in 2025, making a move for Koo should be at the top of their to-do list.