Falcons Cut Nick Folk For Jake Moody In Bold Roster Shake-Up
· Yahoo Sports
The Atlanta Falcons made a definitive roster move on Wednesday by releasing kicker Nick Folk and signing Jake Moody from the Baltimore Ravens’ practice squad. The roster move signals a clear shift in strategy as the team prepares to face the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, November 15. The organization is prioritizing long-term stability over short-term comfort, a choice that reflects the reality of a 3-6 season.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski addressed the media on Wednesday to explain the logic behind cutting a captain. “The truth is in football, you lose guys due to injury, you can lose them due to a trade or due to guys getting cut,” Stefanski said. He emphasized that the team must adapt to these changes immediately. The Falcons gained three draft picks through recent trades involving safety Jessie Bates and center Ryan Neuzil, further indicating a focus on building for the future.
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Why The Move Makes Sense Now
Nick Folk was a reliable presence for the team until a missed 38-yard field goal in the third quarter of the loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, November 8. Folk, who is 42 years old, had previously made 107 consecutive field goals from inside 40 yards. His season record stands at 13 of 18 on field-goal attempts. The Falcons are replacing him with 26-year-old Jake Moody, who was activated from the practice squad after he made a 53-yard field goal in the rain against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Stefanski expressed confidence in the new direction. “Decisions that are made for our football team are always in the best interest of our football team,” he stated, according to CBS News. The coaching staff says Moody has a skill set that matches the team’s direction. The team made the move to improve roster depth for the remainder of the season.
Leadership Changes Across The Roster
Roster turnover also affects positions beyond the kicker. The team also traded center Ryan Neuzil to the Ravens, leaving a hole in the offensive line that Corey Levin will fill. “Obviously, love ‘Neuz’,” Stefanski said regarding the veteran center. “Great person. Just felt like this was an opportunity for our football team and comfortable and feel good about Corey Levin stepping in.” Levin joined the team after following his former offensive line coach, Bill Callahan, from the Tennessee Titans.
Defensive captain Jessie Bates was also traded to the Jaguars for a 2027 second-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick. New leaders will be named as the players who finished second to Bates and Folk in the team’s captain vote, according to CBS News. The Falcons have lost four of their last five games but remain in a competitive division. “We’re excited about this game in front of us,” Stefanski said. The team faces a difficult challenge to avoid a ninth straight losing season while playing in the weak NFC South.