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In a swift move to shore up their special teams woes, the Atlanta Falcons are signing veteran kicker Zane Gonzalez to the roster following an impressive workout on Tuesday morning, according to multiple sources, including NFL Network’s Adam Schefter.

The 30-year-old Gonzalez, a nine-year NFL veteran with stints alongside the Arizona Cardinals, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and most recently the Washington Commanders, steps in at a critical juncture for the Falcons.

Atlanta’s kicking situation has been a rollercoaster this season, and the team’s decision to part ways with Parker Romo underscores the urgency to find stability ahead of a pivotal stretch in the NFC South race.

Falcons Change Kickers After Heartbreaking Patriots Loss

Romo, a second-year pro out of undrafted free agency, is being waived to make room for Gonzalez. The 24-year-old showed flashes of potential in his brief tenure with the Falcons, converting 11 of 14 field goal attempts (78.6%) since joining the team in training camp.

However, his inconsistency reared its head in the most painful way possible during Sunday’s agonizing 23-22 loss to the New England Patriots at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.With the Falcons trailing by a point in the final minute, Romo lined up for what could have been the game-winning extra point after a Kirk Cousins touchdown strike to Drake London.

The kick sailed wide left, sealing Atlanta’s fourth one-score defeat of the season and dropping them to 4-5 on the year. The miss not only cost the Falcons a potential victory but also highlighted the razor-thin margins in a division where every point feels like a lifeline.

Gonzalez: Ace Gets Fresh Start in Atlanta

Gonzalez brings a proven track record of clutch performance to Flowery Branch. Drafted in the seventh round by the Cardinals in 2017 out of Arizona State, he holds a career field goal percentage of 82.4% (119-for-144), including a league-leading 96.9% success rate in 2021 with Tampa Bay.

Last season with Washington, he went 18-for-21 before being released in the preseason shuffle. At 6-foot, 202 pounds, Gonzalez is known for his strong leg and poise under pressure—qualities Atlanta desperately needs as they prepare for an international game in Berlin against the Indianapolis Colts.

The signing comes on the heels of Atlanta’s ongoing kicking carousel. The team entered the season with Younghoe Koo as their reliable incumbent, but when it missed a kick late in the game during the first month of the season, he was canned, thrusting Romo into the spotlight.

Now, with Gonzalez in the fold, the Falcons hope to avoid any further drama and refocus on their playoff push. Atlanta sits in third place in the NFC South behind the division-leading Buccaneers and the Carolina Panthers.

Romo’s future remains uncertain, but his poise and potential could land him on another roster or the practice squad circuit.

Final Word

For now, all eyes are on Gonzalez’s first practice reps and whether he can deliver the consistency that’s eluded Atlanta’s kickers this fall.

Stay tuned to Atlanta Sports Insider for updates on the Falcons’ roster moves and injury reports as the week unfolds. Rise up, Atlanta—what do you think of the Gonzalez gamble? Sound off in the comments below.

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The Atlanta Falcons delivered a statement performance on Monday Night Football, dismantling the Buffalo Bills 24-14 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in a game that had Red and Black faithful roaring from the opening kickoff.

With explosive runs, precise passing, and a opportunistic defense, the Falcons improved to 3-2 on the season, marking their second straight victory over a playoff team from last year.

Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. shone in his steady command of the offense, while the run game terrorized Buffalo’s defense. As the city buzzes with excitement heading into a pivotal matchup against the 49ers, here are five key takeaways from the thrilling upset.

1. Bijan Robinson Is a Bona Fide Superstar

Erupting for a career-best 238 scrimmage yardsBijan Robinson reminded everyone why he’s the Falcons’ offensive centerpiece, torching the Bills for 170 rushing yards on just 19 carries, capped by an electrifying 81-yard touchdown scamper in the second quarter—the longest run of the NFL season so far.

He added six catches for 68 yards, showcasing his versatility in a total domination that head coach Raheem Morris called “the best player in football.”

Robinson’s big night not only powered Atlanta to a 21-7 halftime lead but also highlighted the run game’s potential as a weapon that can carry the team through tough stretches.

2. Drake London Caught a Monster Game

Proving he’s Penix’s go-to target, wide receiver Drake London was unstoppable, snagging 10 passes for 158 yards and a 9-yard touchdown reception that further buried Buffalo early.

Teaming up with Robinson for nearly 400 combined scrimmage yards, London’s route-running precision and sure hands overwhelmed a Bills secondary that entered the night ranked among the league’s stingiest.

This breakout performance cements London as the perfect complement to Penix Jr., giving Atlanta a dynamic passing attack that can exploit defenses on any down.

3. Michael Penix Jr. Delivers With Poise and Precision

In a pressure-packed primetime spotlight in what felt like a defining moment for the young signal-caller, Michael Penix Jr. went 20-of-32 for 250 yards with a touchdown and zero interceptions, leading a clock-chewing 14-play drive in the fourth quarter that set up Parker Romo’s 33-yard field goal to ice the game at 24-14.

Despite a raucous Bills fan presence forcing a silent count, Penix stayed mistake-free and distributed the ball effectively, proving he’s ready to lead Atlanta’s resurgence in the NFC South.

4. The Falcons’ Defense Rises To the Occasion

The Falcons swarming defenders flustered Josh Allen into two costly picksAtlanta’s defense turned in a gritty effort, sacking and swarming Josh Allen into two interceptions—including a game-sealing pick by linebacker DeAngelo Malone with 41 seconds left—that stifled Buffalo’s comeback bid after a third-quarter touchdown made it a one-score game.

Holding the Bills to just 14 points despite their explosive potential, the unit forced turnovers and capitalized on miscues like a blocked field goal, showing the growth under defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake that’s crucial for a playoff push.

5. This Upset Is a Massive Momentum Builder

Beating a Bills squad that started 4-0 against a slate of now-struggling opponents, Atlanta has now toppled two 2024 playoff teams in as many weeks, climbing above .500 for the first time this season and injecting real belief into a locker room hungry for contention.

With the run game clicking, Penix settling in, and the defense making plays, the Dirty Birds look like a team capable of contending in the loaded NFC—especially with a favorable home stretch ahead at Mercedes-Benz.

Final Word

The Falcons return to action next Sunday night on the road against the San Francisco 49ers, where they can build on this electric win and keep the good vibes rolling in ATL. Go Falcons!

In a surprising last-minute shakeup, the Atlanta Falcons have ruled out veteran kicker Younghoe Koo for their Week 2 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday Night Football, citing non-injury-related reasons.

The team announced that Koo did not travel with the squad to Minnesota, paving the way for practice squad kicker Parker Romo to step up and handle all kicking responsibilities in the primetime showdown at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Koo Ruled Out Due To Injury; Romo Promoted To Kicker

The decision comes just days after the Falcons signed Romo to their practice squad earlier this week, following Koo’s critical 44-yard field goal miss in the final seconds of Atlanta’s heartbreaking 23-20 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the season opener.

That miss, which would have tied the game, marked a low point for Koo, who struggled last season with a career-worst 73.5% field goal success rate, converting just 25 of 34 attempts.

Head coach Raheem Morris had indicated the team would explore competition at the position, and Romo’s promotion via a standard elevation from the practice squad underscores the urgency to stabilize the special teams unit.

“Parker brings leg strength, accuracy, experience, and poise to the table,” Falcons special teams coordinator Marquice Williams said earlier this week. “We’re happy to have him in the building.”

Romo, a 28-year-old undrafted free agent out of Virginia Tech, joins Atlanta after a brief stint with the Vikings last season, where he went 11-for-12 on field goals (including a 55-yard long) and 7-for-8 on extra points across four games.

Notably, Romo spent time in Minnesota’s organization in 2024, giving him familiarity with Sunday’s opponent. He also impressed in the XFL with the San Antonio Brahmas in 2023, setting a league record with a 57-yard field goal and earning All-XFL honors.Koo, a 31-year-old Pro Bowl selection in 2020, has been the Falcons’ primary kicker since 2019 but has shown signs of inconsistency following a hip injury that sidelined him last year.

The South Korean native expressed deep frustration after the Week 1 miss, telling reporters, “The frustration just came out of disappointment in myself and knowing that I know I’m better than that. On top of that, I let the guys down.”

Despite retaining the team’s trust initially, the Falcons’ move to elevate Romo signals a shift, especially with Atlanta aiming to rebound from the early-season defeat and improve their 0-1 record against a Vikings team that also enters Week 2 at 0-1 after a loss to the San Francisco 49ers.

The promotion of Romo comes amid other roster tweaks for the Falcons, including placing safety Jordan Fuller on injured reserve and signing wide receiver David Sills V to the 53-man roster. These changes reflect a broader effort to bolster depth as the team prepares for a tough NFC North road test under the lights.

Fans in Atlanta and across the Dirty South will be watching closely to see if Romo can deliver in high-pressure situations, particularly given the irony of facing his former team.

Kickoff is set for 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC, with the Falcons hoping to avoid an 0-2 start and get their season back on track. Stay tuned to AtlantaFi.com for live updates from Minneapolis and post-game analysis.

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The Atlanta Falcons opened their 2025 schedule with a gut-wrenching 23-20 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, a game that came down to a missed 44-yard field goal by Younghoe Koo in the final seconds.

Despite a valiant fourth-quarter comeback led by second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr., the Falcons couldn’t overcome a resilient Buccaneers squad, leaving Atlanta fans with a familiar sting of what might have been.

The Falcons Week 1: What We Learned

The game, a heated NFC South showdown, showcased the Falcons’ potential but exposed critical lapses that proved costly against a Tampa Bay team hungry to extend their divisional dominance.

Atlanta’s new-look offense, spearheaded by Penix and running back Bijan Robinson, showed flashes of brilliance, but it wasn’t enough to counter Tampa Bay’s late-game heroics.

1. A Fast Start Fades

The Falcons struck first, capitalizing on an early drive that highlighted Robinson’s versatility. Just 1:46 into the game, Penix connected with Robinson on a 50-yard touchdown pass, giving Atlanta a 7-0 lead.

Robinson, who set a career-high 104 receiving yards, was a force, hauling in six catches for 100 yards, including the early score.

“Bijan was electric today,” head coach Raheem Morris said postgame. “He gave us everything we asked for and more.”

Tampa Bay responded in the second quarter, leaning on quarterback Baker Mayfield’s precision. A 48-yard field goal by Chase McLaughlin and a 30-yard touchdown pass to rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka tied the game at 10-10.

Atlanta answered with a 41-yard field goal from Koo, knotting the score at halftime.

The Falcons’ defense, bolstered by offseason additions like edge rusher Leonard Floyd and linebacker Divine Deablo, held firm early, limiting Tampa Bay to 159 total yards through three quarters.

2. A Tale of Two Halves

The second half saw Tampa Bay seize momentum. Mayfield, who finished with 167 passing yards and three touchdowns, orchestrated a crucial drive in the fourth quarter, finding Egbuka again for a touchdown with just a minute remaining.

The score put the Buccaneers ahead 23-20, a lead that proved insurmountable. Mayfield’s mobility also hurt Atlanta, as he scrambled for 39 yards, including key first downs.

“Baker was just a little sharper when it mattered most,” Morris admitted.

Penix, in his first season as the full-time starter, showed poise, completing 27 of 42 passes for 298 yards and one touchdown.

His connection with Robinson and tight end Kyle Pitts, who added 70 receiving yards, kept Atlanta in the game.

A late drive positioned the Falcons for a game-tying field goal, but Koo’s attempt sailed wide right, sealing Atlanta’s fate. “Younghoe’s one of the best in the business,” Penix said. “He’ll bounce back, and so will we.”

3. Missed Opportunities and Injuries

The Falcons’ offense racked up 358 total yards, outgaining Tampa Bay’s 260, but penalties (8 for 55 yards) and a 6-of-15 third-down conversion rate stalled drives.

The absence of wide receiver Darnell Mooney, listed as inactive due to injury, further limited Atlanta’s options.

“We missed Darnell’s speed out there,” Morris noted. “But we’ve got to execute regardless.”

Tampa Bay’s offensive line, despite a last-minute shuffle due to Tristan Wirfs’ absence, held up against Atlanta’s revamped pass rush, which managed just 0.5 sacks from Deablo.

The Buccaneers’ defense, led by safety Tykee Smith’s 11 tackles, stifled Atlanta’s run game, holding Robinson to 24 yards on 10 carries.

4. Falcons Must Move On

The loss drops Atlanta to 0-1, while Tampa Bay starts 1-0, setting an early tone in the NFC South race. Fans, still stinging from last season’s 8-9 finish, hoped Penix’s ascension and defensive upgrades would spark a turnaround.

While the offense showed promise, the late-game collapse underscored the need for sharper execution.

“We’re a young team, but we’re not using that as an excuse,” said safety Jessie Bates III, who led Atlanta with six tackles. “We had a chance to win and didn’t get it done. We’ll learn from this.”

Final Word

The Falcons now turn their attention to Week 2, facing a road test against the Houston Texans. For a team with playoff aspirations, the margin for error is slim, and Atlanta will need to harness its talent—and avoid late-game miscues—to keep pace in a competitive division.

“We’re disappointed, but it’s one game,” Morris said. “We’ve got 16 more to show who we are.”

There was much excitement on Thursday night as Atlanta Falcons fans converged on the Mercedes-Benz Stadium downtown for a 2025 NFL Draft Party.

Fans sat through 14 picks before the Falcons picked former Georgia Bulldog defenseman Jalon Walker. With the 26th pick, the Falcons James Pearce Jr.

With the Falcons, Pearce joins fellow 2025 draftee Jalon Walker to bolster a pass rush that ranked 31st in the NFL with 31 sacks in 2024. His speed and pass-rush toolkit make him an immediate situational rusher with the potential to develop into an every-down player.

Minutes after Walker was drafted, his college coach, Georgia’s Kirby Smart, posted on social media about how proud he was.

Congrats Jalon Walker your dream has finally come true, and we are so grateful to have been a part of it !! Your parents have done an unbelievable job raising you, and I know they are so proud,” Kirby posted on X. “The Atlanta Falcons got a great player and an even better person. You’re a dawg for life. GO DAWGS!!”

A native of Conway, South Carolina, he attended Salisbury High School in North Carolina, where he was named the 2021 North Carolina Gatorade Football Player of the Year after recording 79 tackles and eight sacks. A five-star recruit and 2022 Under Armour All-American, Walker committed to Georgia over Clemson, North Carolina, and others.

At Georgia, Walker played three seasons (2022–2024). As a true freshman in 2022, he appeared in all 15 games, contributing nine tackles and one sack during Georgia’s National Championship win over TCU. In 2023, as a sophomore, he played in all 14 games, leading the team with five sacks and recording 20 tackles.

In 2024, his junior year, he became a starter, earning the Butkus Award as the nation’s top linebacker and first-team All-American honors from multiple outlets, including Sports Illustrated and ESPN. He finished his college career with 89 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, and 12.5 sacks, notably recording three sacks and seven tackles in a single game against No. 1 Texas.

What Scouts Said About Jalon Walker

Walker’s versatility as both an off-ball linebacker and edge rusher, combined with his speed, athleticism, and physicality, made him a standout. Despite limited starting experience (11 starts), his instincts and high motor earned him comparisons to NFL players like Anthony Barr and Reggie Ragland. He declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, where he’s projected as a first-round pick, ranked as high as No. 10 by ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. Off the field, Walker is a high-character student-athlete with a 4.0 GPA, aspiring to become an orthodontist, and has done voiceover work for SEC Network commercials.

Falcons Pick Pearce After Trading Up From 2nd Round

At Tennessee, Pearce emerged as a premier edge rusher, earning first-team All-SEC honors in 2023 and 2024. As a freshman in 2022, he played all 13 games, recording five tackles and two sacks. His 2023 sophomore season was a breakout, with 10 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss, ranking third and fifth in the SEC, respectively.

In 2024, he started nine of 13 games, leading the team with 7.5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, and 55 pressures (second in the SEC per PFF). His career totals include 71 tackles, 29.5 tackles for loss, 19.5 sacks, and 113 quarterback pressures. At the 2025 NFL Combine, Pearce ran a 4.47-second 40-yard dash (fastest among edge rushers) with a 1.56-second 10-yard split, showcasing elite speed and athleticism.

What Scouts Said About James Pearce Jr.

Pearce’s strengths include explosive first-step quickness, bend, and a 23% pass-rush win rate in 2024 (second-best in the FBS).

However, he needs to improve run defense and block recognition, as he struggles against pulling linemen and lacks power to consistently defeat blocks. Off-field concerns, including a 2023 arrest for speeding and driving with a suspended license, have raised questions about his maturity, though he’s described himself as a “great teammate” with a “good heart.”

The Atlanta Falcons are releasing one of its top stalwart defensive ends, Grady Jarrett. The news comes from several NFL insiders, citing Grady’s sports agent Todd France.

Jarrett, a two-time Pro Bowler, team captain and Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee, may have laced up his cleats for the Dirty Birds for the last time.

He was due to make $16.25 million this upcoming season, according to NFL insider Mike Garafolo.

Grady Jarrett: Falcons Star Being Released

Jarrett, a defensive tackle for the Atlanta Falcons, has been one of the team’s most consistent and dominant defenders since being drafted in the fifth round (137th overall) of the 2015 NFL Draft out of Clemson.

Career Highlights:

• Super Bowl LI Performance (2016 Season): Jarrett had a breakout moment in Super Bowl LI against the New England Patriots, tying a Super Bowl record with three sacks of Tom Brady.
• Pro Bowl Selections: He has been named to the Pro Bowl twice (2019, 2020) for his outstanding play.
• Team Leader: A cornerstone of Atlanta’s defense, Jarrett has been known for his ability to disrupt opposing offenses, tallying numerous sacks and tackles for loss throughout his career.
• Contract Extension: In 2019, he signed a four-year, $68 million contract extension, reaffirming his status as a franchise player.
• Injury Setback: His 2023 season was cut short due to an ACL tear in Week 8, a significant loss for the Falcons’ defense.

Playing Style:

Jarrett is renowned for his quick first step, relentless motor, and strong technique, making him a force against both the run and the pass. Despite being considered undersized for a defensive tackle (around 6’0″, 305 lbs), he has excelled with his agility and power.

Final Word

Jarrett remains one of the most respected players on the Falcons’ roster and continues to be a key leader for the franchise. Where will he end up? It’s hard to tell, but we’re confident it won’t be with the New Orleans Saints.

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Fresh off a disappointing season that ended with him getting benched, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins has requested a meeting with owner Arthur Blank.

According to news reports, Cousins has a desire to start for, potentially, another team this season.

Of course, we still don’t know if Blank will agree to the meeting or whether the Falcons have a desire to part with the veteran signal caller.

If the Falcons are willing to trade Cousins, what teams would make sense?

NFL Trade Scenarios: Where Could Kirk Cousins End Up?

If Kirk Cousins were to be traded from the Atlanta Falcons, there are several NFL teams where he could potentially land, based on current team needs and quarterback situations. Here are five possible destinations:

Cleveland Browns

With uncertainty around their quarterback situation, the Browns could look for a veteran presence like Cousins to stabilize their offense.

Tennessee Titans

As they seek to rejuvenate their roster, the Titans might consider Cousins as an upgrade to their quarterback position, especially if they are looking towards a more balanced offensive strategy.

Indianapolis Colts

With their current struggles at the quarterback position, the Colts could view Cousins as a reliable option who can help them compete in the division.

New York Jets

The Jets have been searching for consistent quarterback play, and bringing in a seasoned player like Cousins could provide them with the experience and leadership they need.

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers might be interested in Cousins if they decide to move on from their current quarterback situation, looking for a player who can create a more effective and stable offense.

These potential landing spots are based on each team’s current roster needs and future ambitions, with Cousins recognized as a capable quarterback who could contribute positively to a new team’s success.