After last season, Younghoe Koo entered training camp on the chopping block, facing a starting battle for the first time since arriving in Atlanta. Last season was unusual for Koo, as he had rarely performed poorly in an Atlanta uniform before. Even after a tough year, Koo remains an X-factor for the Falcons this season.
“Much has been made of Michael Penix Jr. and the revamped Falcons defense, but Atlanta finished 31st in field goal percentage in 2024. A healthy, confident Younghoe Koo can make a significant difference in the 2025 campaign,” SI’s Joshua Petry wrote.
That all changed on Sunday when Koo missed a game-tying field goal as the clock expired. The Falcons lost a crucial divisional matchup and responded by trying out new kickers—an approach that drew criticism for not outright cutting 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,” ESPN Radio’s Mark Zinno wrote.
It turns out the Falcons had a veteran replacement in mind, but things didn’t go as planned. Eddy Pineiro decided to sign with the San Francisco 49ers after they released Jake Moody.
“I wanna win games. I want to be a part of a good culture. I’m in my 8th year of my career and I wanna win,” Pineiro said.
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The Falcons would have loved to land Pineiro, but the opportunity opened up for the 49ers instead. The position in San Francisco seemed more promising, while Atlanta is still just conducting tryouts. It seems Atlanta may have missed out here.
Pineiro is one of the most efficient kickers in the NFL, something the Falcons are currently lacking. Koo could be gone soon, with Romo’s spot up for grabs, but Atlanta was very close to securing Pineiro.
