Placekicker Justin Tucker has earned his place in the hearts of Baltimore Ravens fans. Going from undrafted to Super Bowl champion, he has spent his entire career with the team. Recent rumours have his employer moving on, but how did this happen?
Tucker boasts an incredible resume, including being a 7x Pro Bowl selection and the highest career field goal percentage in NFL history (minimum 100 FGA), at 89.1. He was rock steady for 12 years, but things took a turn in 2024. The veteran’s field goal percentage plummeted to a career-low 73.3.
Rumours about Baltimore kicking him to the curb started during the 2025 NFL Draft. In a surprise pick in the sixth round, the Ravens drafted placekicker Tyler Loop. Per the Baltimore Ravens’ official website, this was the first time the team had drafted anyone for this position.
Per Athlon Sports, Tucker contributed to at least four of the Ravens’ losses last season. Yahoo! Sports reports that 16 Baltimore area massage therapists are accusing him of inappropriate behaviour, further complicating the situation. The team has previously stated the intention to keep him until the pending NFL investigation concluded.
Whether it be the allegations or the decline in production, the team drafted Loop 186th overall. It doesn’t help Tucker’s case that, despite three years remaining on his contract, he has no remaining guarenteed money. The Ravens seem to want the cheaper, more accurate, drama-free option.
One would assume it’s just a matter of time. No matter how great, no player is safe from the harsh business reality of the NFL. Even if the allegations are proven false, it would seem impossible for the Ravens to carry two placekickers. The first kick of the 2025 season will have a strange feeling, but it won’t take long for fans to move on.
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