Falcons Make Change at Kicker, Sign Jake Moody and Release Nick Folk

FLOWERY BRANCH, GA — The Atlanta Falcons are making another roster adjustment as they search for consistency, this time addressing a position that has become a growing concern throughout the season.

The Falcons announced Wednesday, November 11, that they have signed kicker Jake Moody and released veteran Nick Folk in a corresponding move. Atlanta also activated offensive tackle Cameron Williams from the reserve/injured list, providing additional depth along the offensive line.

The transactions come just days after the Dirty Birds suffered a 34-17 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in Madrid, dropping their record to 3-6.

For Atlanta, the decision to move on from Folk represents an effort to correct an issue that has cost the team scoring opportunities.

Folk, 42, joined the Falcons in March after establishing himself as one of the NFL’s most reliable kickers. During the previous three seasons, he led the league in field goal accuracy, converting at least 95% of his attempts each year.

However, that consistency did not carry over into his time with Atlanta.

Through nine games, Folk converted just 13 of 18 field goal attempts, a 72.2% success rate. He also made 17 of 18 extra-point attempts.

His struggles became particularly noticeable over Atlanta’s last three games.

Against the San Francisco 49ers, Folk missed an extra point during the Falcons’ 29-20 victory. The following week, he missed a 53-yard field goal in Tampa Bay as Atlanta suffered a 16-0 shutout.

Then came another costly miss against Cincinnati.

With the Falcons trailing 31-17 early in the fourth quarter, Folk missed a 38-yard field goal attempt wide left, eliminating an opportunity to reduce the deficit.

The miss was particularly surprising considering Folk had previously converted 107 consecutive field goal attempts from inside 40 yards, the longest such streak in the NFL over the previous four decades.

Following Sunday’s loss, head coach Kevin Stefanski addressed the missed opportunity.

“I expect Nick to make his kicks,” Stefanski said. “Nick expects to make his kicks.”

Now, Atlanta is turning to Moody in hopes of bringing stability back to its kicking game.

The 26-year-old was originally selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the third round, 99th overall, of the 2023 NFL Draft out of Michigan.

Moody entered the league with considerable expectations after becoming one of the highest-drafted kickers in recent NFL history.

During his rookie season, he converted 21 of 25 field goal attempts and 60 of 61 extra points, earning recognition on the Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie Team.

However, his second season proved more challenging.

Moody made 24 of 34 field goal attempts in 2024, and his struggles continued into the beginning of the 2025 season. San Francisco eventually released him after he converted just one of three attempts in its season opener.

Since leaving the 49ers, Moody has spent time with the Chicago Bears, Washington Commanders and Baltimore Ravens.

Most recently, he was a member of Baltimore’s practice squad before Atlanta signed him to its active roster.

Across 41 career games, Moody has converted 65 of 83 field goal attempts, a 78.3% success rate, along with 108 of 111 extra-point attempts.

Those numbers show that Moody has experienced accuracy concerns of his own, making his arrival an opportunity to prove he can become a dependable option for the Falcons.

The signing also provides an interesting connection to Atlanta general manager Ian Cunningham, who previously served as Chicago’s assistant general manager when Moody joined the Bears during the 2025 season.

While the kicking change headlines Wednesday’s transactions, the return of Williams provides some encouraging news for Atlanta’s offensive line.

Williams, a second-year offensive tackle, had been sidelined with an ankle injury since September after the Falcons acquired him following the NFL’s initial roster cuts in August.

His activation gives the coaching staff another option as Atlanta works through changes along the offensive front.

The Falcons recently traded center Ryan Neuzil to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for offensive lineman Andrew Vorhees, creating additional adjustments for a unit responsible for protecting quarterback Michael Penix Jr.

For the Falcons, the recent roster activity reflects an organization willing to make changes as it attempts to turn around a disappointing season.

The departures of Folk, Neuzil and safety Jessie Bates III have reshaped several areas of the roster, while the additions of Moody and Vorhees provide new opportunities for players looking to establish themselves in Atlanta.

Whether those decisions translate into improved results remains to be seen.

For Moody, the immediate challenge will be delivering when the Falcons need points on the scoreboard.

Atlanta has struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities in recent weeks, and dependable special teams play will be essential if the team hopes to remain competitive.

The Dirty Birds cannot afford to continue leaving points on the field, particularly with difficult opponents ahead.

Up Next: The Falcons return to Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday, November 15, to face the Kansas City Chiefs. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET. Atlanta will look to snap its two-game losing streak while introducing several new faces to the lineup, including Moody, who could make his Falcons debut.