Atlanta, GA — November 4, 2025
The Atlanta Falcons have made yet another change at the kicker position, announcing the signing of veteran Zane Gonzalez and the release of Parker Romo following Sunday’s heartbreaking 24-23 loss to the New England Patriots.
Romo’s missed extra point late in the game — which would have tied the score at 24 — proved costly for Atlanta. The miss ultimately prompted the team to reevaluate their special teams unit and make a swift roster decision heading into Week 10.
Romo’s Short Stint Comes to an End
Parker Romo, who joined the Falcons earlier this season, showed promise but struggled with consistency. Over his time in Atlanta, Romo went 11-for-14 on field goals and 12-for-13 on extra points, according to NBC Sports.
While those numbers aren’t poor on paper, his missed PAT in Sunday’s one-point loss was the final straw. With the Falcons fighting to stay competitive in a tightly contested NFC South, special teams reliability became a top priority for head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot.
Zane Gonzalez Brings Experience
To fill the void, Atlanta has turned to Zane Gonzalez, a seasoned kicker with seven years of NFL experience. Gonzalez spent part of the 2024 season with the Washington Commanders, where he connected on 5 of 7 field goals and remained perfect on 19 extra point attempts.
Originally drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 2017, Gonzalez has also suited up for the Arizona Cardinals, Carolina Panthers, and San Francisco 49ers during his career. Known for his powerful leg and solid range from beyond 50 yards, Gonzalez offers the Falcons a more experienced and stable option as they continue their midseason push.
Third Kicker of the Season
This move marks Atlanta’s third kicker of the 2025 season, highlighting the ongoing struggle to find consistency in the kicking game. The team had previously moved on from longtime kicker Younghoe Koo earlier in the year before signing Romo, who is now out after just a handful of games.
The Falcons currently sit at 4-5, and every point matters as the playoff race heats up. The organization hopes Gonzalez’s experience will help settle one of their most unpredictable roster spots.
What This Means for the Falcons
Reliable kicking often determines the outcome of close games — something the Falcons have learned the hard way in recent weeks. Gonzalez’s addition could bring the stability the team desperately needs, particularly in tight contests and high-pressure moments.
While Romo showed potential, his inconsistency under pressure proved costly. For Gonzalez, this move represents another chance to cement his place in the league and perhaps revive his career with a strong second half of the season.
Fan and Media Reaction
The reaction to the move has been mixed. Many Falcons fans on social media expressed sympathy for Romo, acknowledging his potential but agreeing that the team “needed someone who won’t miss the gimme kicks.”
NFL analysts, meanwhile, praised the signing as “a low-risk, experienced addition” for a team still developing under Raheem Morris.
“Gonzalez may not have the strongest leg in the league, but he’s been consistent,” said NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. “That’s exactly what Atlanta needs — someone who can make the routine kicks automatic.”
Looking Ahead
The Falcons will next face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a divisional matchup, where Gonzalez is expected to make his team debut. Fans and coaches alike will be watching closely to see if the veteran can deliver the steady performance Atlanta has been missing from its special teams unit.
About Zane Gonzalez (Career Snapshot)
- College: Arizona State University
- NFL Debut: 2017 (Cleveland Browns)
- Career Field Goals: 87.5% inside 40 yards
- Career Long: 57 yards
- Teams: Browns, Cardinals, Panthers, 49ers, Commanders, Falcons (2025–)
| Category | Career Total |
|---|---|
| Field Goals Made | 132 / 161 (82.0%) |
| Extra Points Made | 171 / 180 (95.0%) |
| Career Long | 57 yards |
| 50+ Yard Attempts | 19 / 30 (63.3%) |
| NFL Seasons Played | 8 |
| Teams | Browns, Cardinals, Panthers, 49ers, Commanders, Falcons |
Bottom Line
The Falcons’ decision to part ways with Parker Romo and bring in veteran Zane Gonzalez is a clear message: consistency and reliability are non-negotiable as the team pushes deeper into the season.
While Romo’s missed PAT was just one play, it underscored a larger issue — the lack of stability in Atlanta’s kicking game. With Gonzalez now in the fold, the Falcons hope their special-teams woes are finally behind them.
The veteran kicker’s first test comes this Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where he’ll look to deliver what Atlanta needs most right now — dependable points when they matter most.