Matt Bryant released by Falcons, plans to return for 18th NFL season

Veteran kicker Matt Bryant says the Atlanta Falcons are releasing him.

#theshowmustgoon pic.twitter.com/J63iycYTSY

- matt bryant (@Matt_Bryant3) February 6, 2019

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.

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