FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The hypothetical painted a clear picture.
"If you're a kicker, the starting kicker for the Atlanta Falcons, and you're the only kicker on the roster, you're still competing with the other 31 teams and those free agents that are on the street," special teams coordinator Marquice Williams said. "That's the mindset we have in our room, whether there's an extra kicker here or we don't have an extra kicker here."
Right now, the Falcons have one who could be considered an extra. There's veteran kicker Younghoe Koo, who has been with the organization since 2019. And there's German kicker Lenny Krieg, who has never played an NFL snap.
Koo signed his first multi-year deal with the Falcons in 2022, a five-year extension that keeps him in Atlanta through the 2026 season. Krieg, meanwhile, signed a three-year deal earlier this offseason.
"All across the board, as our team, we're always looking for competition and we're always looking to bring in the best players," Williams said. "I mean, that's why we play the game: to be the best. So, we bring in the best players for every position.
"Just so happens we have two kickers in the building that are really good."
It's unlikely the Falcons keep two kickers on their 53-man roster, which will be determined before the 2025 regular season begins. But there's a loophole that could keep Krieg in the mix.
As a participant in the NFL's International Player Pathway program, Krieg could be chosen for the Falcons' IPP spot. Under that designation, Krieg wouldn't count toward the roster limit.
Williams noticed Krieg at the 2025 NFL Combine, when the 23-year-old didn't miss any of his 14 field-goal attempts. He was not the only one captivated by the German kicker. Williams then brought other coaches along to watch Krieg at the IPP Pro Day. The next day, the Falcons signed Krieg.
"Just seeing him kick in person, spending more time with him (and) getting to understand his why — why he plays the game and why he loves the game — it was a no-brainer to bring him in and have him be a part of our team," Williams said.
Naturally, that decision drew questions about Koo's status in Atlanta.
The 30-year-old had an uncharacteristic season in 2024, making 25 of his 34 field goal attempts and posting his lowest conversion rate (73.5%) since joining the Falcons. He missed a career-high three kicks in the Week 10 loss to the New Orleans Saints, though it should be noted one was blocked.
Koo was placed on injured reserve in Week 16 due to an issue with his right hip and therefore did not finish out the 8-9 season.
"Not making excuses or anything like that, but that's not all on him when it comes to that," Williams said. "Koo is his reliable self because I like his process. I know his process, and I know how he prepares each and every week, each and every day. Just do happened those kicks didn't go his way."
With the Falcons' offseason program well underway and Organized Team Activities (OTAs) on tap next week, Williams declined to comment on Koo's current health but did say Koo has been "hitting the ball well" and is "doing a great job so far." So, Koo has been an active participant.
There's a chance media members will get their first look at Koo and Krieg on Tuesday during open practice. However, it is voluntary for players. Mandatory minicamp doesn't begin until June 10.
"I know that both guys are going to put together their best effort and their best body of work," Williams said. "I'm excited for both those gentlemen to go out there and have their best offseason and training camp."
