Matt Bryant released by Falcons, plans to return for 18th NFL season
Veteran kicker Matt Bryant says the Atlanta Falcons are releasing him.
The 43-year-old Bryant added that he still intends to return for his 18th NFL season in 2019. He converted 20 of 21 field-goal attempts and 94.3 percent of his extra-point tries in 13 games during 2018, while his longest make came from 57 yards.
He was set to have a cap hit of $4.1 million in 2019, and the Falcons will now be left with a dead cap penalty of $1.3 million.
Giorgio Tavecchio filled in for Bryant over a three-game stretch last season and hit all five field-goal attempts along with eight PATs. He's due a base salary of $645,000 next season.
The Falcons' latest move to clear cap space follows the release of cornerback Robert Alford on Tuesday, which saved the team nearly $8 million.