The Patriots were in for a tough matchup against the Falcons last week, and based on how it unfolded, they are lucky to walk away with the win. Although they continued their hot streak to six wins in a row, it was an unfortunate misstep by a familiar face that helped them accomplish that, and now the Falcons have punished him for it.
Throughout the offseason, there was an intense battle between kickers Andy Borregales and Parker Romo, and for much of the summer, it looked like the latter was going to be the starter. But because the new regime spent a draft pick on Borregales, they kept him around instead.
That might have been the best move, seeing how Romo helped his old team win in Week 9, as his missed extra point ensured the Falcons would not bring the score to a tie, and allowed the Patriots to sneak out the win. And because of that, he is now being released by the Falcons on Tuesday morning.
The #Falcons are signing veteran K Zane Gonzalez following a workout this morning, sources tell me and @RapSheet. The team is waiving Parker Romo, who was 11-for-14 on FGs with Atlanta and missed a late extra point in the 1-point loss to the #Patriots on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/4bdmxMPk7A
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) November 4, 2025
It's the unfortunate reality of how quick things move in the NFL, and now Romo will become a free agent for another team to sign.
The Patriots are thankful for Parker Romo's miss, although it cost him his job with the Falcons
Looking at how the Patriots played against the Falcons, it's almost impossible to understand how the game ended up being as close as it was. If it weren't for two costly turnovers by Drake Maye, it likely would have been a blowout.
Instead, they can be thankful for Romo's miss, even if that ultimately led to him without a job.
Although he missed three field goals during his time in Atlanta, Romo had shown himself to be a solid option at kicker, so much so that the Patriots heavily considered retaining him over the rookie they drafted, which certainly means something.
That would seem to mean he will easily find another job somewhere around the league, and based on how kickers have been struggling this season, it's not difficult to imagine it could happen rather quickly.
Fortunately, the Patriots are finally not in a position to need a kicker again, as Borregales has been a reliable addition to the special teams. If that weren't the case, then Romo might be on his way back to New England, especially after sealing their win last week.