- The Baltimore Ravens have released kicker Justin Tucker, citing a ‘football decision.’
- Tucker is under NFL investigation for allegations of sexual misconduct involving 16 massage therapists.
- The Ravens drafted kicker Tyler Loop in the sixth round of the NFL draft, signaling a shift.
- Tucker denies all allegations, calling them ‘unequivocally false.’
- The NFL investigation remains ongoing, and Tucker’s future in the league is uncertain.
Ravens Release Justin Tucker Amid Controversy
The Baltimore Ravens announced on Monday the release of Justin Tucker, the NFL’s most accurate kicker, amid an ongoing investigation by the league into allegations of sexual misconduct. The decision was described as a ‘football decision’ by Ravens executive vice president and general manager Eric DeCosta.
‘Sometimes football decisions are incredibly difficult, and this is one of those instances,’ DeCosta stated. ‘Considering our current roster, we have made the tough decision to release Justin Tucker.’
Tucker, 35, had been with the Ravens for 13 seasons and was the last remaining player from the team’s 2012 Super Bowl-winning roster. Despite his illustrious career, including seven Pro Bowl selections, Tucker’s release comes during a turbulent time for both the player and the organization.
Allegations of Misconduct
The NFL began investigating Tucker in February following allegations of sexual misconduct by 16 massage therapists from eight high-end spas in the Baltimore area. According to reports from The Baltimore Banner, the alleged incidents occurred between 2012 and 2016, during Tucker’s first five seasons in the NFL.
The accusations include claims that Tucker exposed himself, engaged in inappropriate behavior, and left bodily fluids on massage tables. Tucker has denied all allegations, calling them ‘unequivocally false’ and labeling the reports as ‘desperate tabloid fodder.’
His attorneys have also rejected the claims, stating they are speculative and ‘impossible to prove.’ The NFL investigation is ongoing, and no formal charges have been filed against Tucker.
A Career of Highs and Recent Lows
Justin Tucker is widely regarded as one of the greatest kickers in NFL history. He holds the league record for the highest field goal conversion rate (89.1%) and the longest field goal ever made, a 66-yarder in 2021.
However, Tucker is coming off the worst season of his career. In 2024, he missed 10 total kicks, including eight field goals, resulting in a career-low conversion rate of 73.3%. This performance ranked him 31st in the NFL.
Despite these struggles, DeCosta had expressed confidence in Tucker earlier this year, calling him ‘one of the best kickers of all time.’ However, the allegations and ongoing investigation appear to have significantly influenced the team’s decision.
Ravens’ Draft Signals Change
The Ravens’ decision to draft kicker Tyler Loop in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft was a clear indication that the team was preparing for a future without Tucker. Loop, a standout at Arizona, was highly rated for his strong leg and consistency, converting 6 of 9 attempts from 50-plus yards during his college career.
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh addressed the situation during the team’s rookie minicamp, stating, ‘Whatever we decide to do over the next few weeks will be based on football.’
Loop’s performance during minicamp further solidified the team’s confidence in moving forward with a new kicker.
The Financial Implications
Tucker’s release also carries financial implications for the Ravens. He was cut with three years remaining on a four-year, $22 million contract extension that made him the highest-paid kicker in the league at the time. By designating him as a post-June 1 cut, the Ravens will save $4.2 million in salary cap space this year while spreading $7.5 million in dead money over two seasons.
This financial relief, combined with Tucker’s declining performance and the ongoing investigation, likely influenced the team’s decision to part ways with the veteran kicker.
What’s Next for Tucker?
As a free agent, Justin Tucker remains subject to discipline under the NFL’s personal conduct policy. Commissioner Roger Goodell has described the allegations as ‘serious’ but has not provided a timeline for the investigation’s conclusion.
Tucker’s future in the NFL is uncertain. While his talent and track record make him an attractive option for teams in need of a reliable kicker, the allegations and ongoing investigation could deter potential suitors.
For now, Tucker will focus on defending his reputation as he navigates this challenging chapter of his career.
Source: The Baltimore Banner, ESPN