Falcons Invite 44-Year-Old Kicker Matt Bryant for Tryout
By Sean Facey
Matt Bryant's time in the NFL may not be over just yet.
The 44-year-old kicker has been invited to a tryout by his former team the Atlanta Falcons, as they continue their search for a quality PK.
It seems like the #Falcons forgot Matt Bryant didn't retire. They actually preferred to sign Blair Walsh of all people.
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) August 29, 2019
Walsh missed 5 kicks at practice so now it's time to turn back to Bryant. https://t.co/ZDxAojux9U
The Falcons initially planned to roll with disgraced former Minnesota Vikings kicker Blair Walsh, but after he missed five kicks in practice, it seems as though they're prepared to opt back to what's comfortable.
In 2018, a year in which he nailed an impressive 95.2% of his kicks, Bryant was as steady as can be. He only missed one of his attempts last year, and it came from more than 50 yards out. But, a hamstring injury limited him, and Atlanta ultimately cut him loose.
44-year old kicker Matt Bryant will workout for the #Falcons tomorrow, per @CoyWire. #Falcons cut Matt Bryant in February after 10 seasons. With Giorgio Tavecchio struggling, Atlanta recently signed Blair Walsh.
— NFL Update (@MySportsUpdate) August 29, 2019
Now, he's back in to show them what they've been missing. Kickers of his caliber are hard to come by in the NFL, and they'd be much better off rolling with him than Walsh or any of the other guys they could bring in for a tryout.
He's a former Pro-Bowler who's hit 89.3% of his 272 field goal attempts since the start of the 2010 season. Whether or not the tryout results in a contract remains to be seen, but he's certainly got the resume to earn one.