Atlanta Falcons: Matt Bryant Cut In Surprise Move

Football is a “no apology” kind of sport. It’s first and foremost a business. Players and fans are reminded of this fact often. The Atlanta Falcons just had to make a business decision when they released Matt Bryant, the longtime kicker, after ten years with the team.

The move came as a big surprise to Atlanta Falcons fans when the news broke, but it was the right and smart move. Fans and players won’t like to hear that, but it’s the harsh reality of football. To open up a spot for one player, another player has to move on. This time it was Matt Bryant’s turn.

Matt Bryant had ten successful years in Atlanta. There were clutch kicks. There were long kicks. Matt Bryant could do it all. Bryant became a dependable performer while in Atlanta, who seemed like he was never going to miss when he was on the field.

The kind of player the Falcons could count on his entire time in Atlanta. It was a luxury having such a good kicker in Atlanta because good and consistent kickers are not easy to come by in the NFL. And that consistency is what defined Matt Bryant’s time in Atlanta.

Last season, Matt Bryant got hurt. This wasn’t a huge shock considering he was 43 years old. It seemed like Bryant may be starting to break down after so many years. This is when the Falcons signed Giorgio Tavecchio to fill in for the veteran. Tavecchio was a perfect 5-5 in his time as the Falcons kicker. Tavecchio was considerably cheaper at 645,000 dollars compared to Matt Bryant’s 3.5 million price. The Falcons decided to move on to the younger and cheaper option. It’s a move that makes sense for the Falcons.

By cutting Bryant the Falcons will save 2.8 million dollars on next years cap, according to Vaughn McClure. This is money that can go to improving the team next season. Star defensive tackle, Grady Jarrett is up for a new contract this season. He is going to command a lot of money. The Falcons are going to have to do whatever it takes to make sure they can sign their star defensive lineman. After a disappointing season, there will be more moves the Falcons will have to make other than locking up Jarrett for the foreseeable future. Bryant, unfortunately, was one of the casualties in that quest to improve the team.

Having a great kicker is a bonus, but that’s all it should be. When a team like the Falcons has so many areas that need addressing, having a high priced kicker is not good for roster building. After taking care of their own players in the offseason, the Falcons will need to add some help on both sides of the ball. The Falcons have too many holes on their roster to continue to pay a high priced kicker. Will the Falcons miss the consistency of Bryant? Maybe. Will Tavecchio struggle next season? Maybe. This is the kind of risk the Falcons must take to try to improve this team. I’m sad to see Bryant go, but it’s just business.