Falcons set to decide on Younghoe Koo's future this week, risking $5.5M in forced dead money

The Atlanta Falcons were faced with a tough, early-season decision regarding kicker Younghoe Koo following Week 1. After Koo missed a potential game-winning field goal, the team acted swiftly by signing Parker Romo to the practice squad—though they didn’t immediately move on from Koo.

“Why are the Falcons p***yfooting around with this? Pun intended, I guess? If Romo is the guy, just sign him and cut Koo?? This blind loyalty is at a point of silliness. You don’t need THREE kickers on a roster,” wrote ESPN Radio’s Mark Zinno.

Romo was elevated to the active roster for the Falcons' Sunday Night Football game against the Minnesota Vikings, where he delivered a perfect 5-for-5 performance. While this appeared to push Koo out of the picture, head coach Raheem Morris has yet to officially move on.

“Falcons coach Raheem Morris said there is 90% chance is that Parker Romo is the kicker for the Panthers game,” AJC’s D. Orlando Ledbetter posted.

The direction Atlanta will ultimately take with Koo remains unclear, but signs point to a decision coming soon—likely by Friday.

"There's really no reason for the Falcons to release Younghoe Koo early this week. I'm guessing the team will look for a trade and make a decision around Friday. His salary is already guaranteed, so no financial incentive,” The Falcoholic’s Kevin Knight wrote.

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Koo has been with the Falcons since last season, but there's a strong chance that by Friday, he may no longer be on the team. Though Romo has only had a brief opportunity, he made the most of it with a flawless showing on field goal attempts.

The Falcons will ultimately make the move that’s best for the franchise—and right now, Koo may no longer be that answer. It would mark an unfortunate end to what was once a great run in Atlanta.