Baltimore Ravens Release Kicker Justin Tucker Amid Performance Decline and Misconduct Allegations(talkSPORT)
The Baltimore Ravens have officially released veteran kicker Justin Tucker after 13 seasons with the team. The decision follows a combination of declining on-field performance and serious off-field allegations.(Baltimore Beatdown)
Tucker, widely regarded as one of the greatest kickers in NFL history, holds the league record for the longest field goal at 66 yards and boasts a career field goal percentage of 89.1%. However, his performance dipped in the 2024 season, converting only 73.3% of his field goal attempts, a significant drop from his career average .(Houston Chronicle, The Guardian)
Compounding the issue, Tucker faces multiple sexual misconduct allegations from 16 massage therapists across eight Baltimore-area spas, dating from 2012 to 2016. He has denied all allegations, describing them as “shocking and heartbreaking.” The NFL has launched an investigation into the matter .(The US Sun, The Guardian)
The Ravens’ official statement on Tucker’s release, issued by General Manager Eric DeCosta, cited “football reasons” without mentioning the ongoing investigation. This omission drew criticism from ESPN analyst Mina Kimes, who questioned the appropriateness of the statement’s tone given the serious nature of the allegations .(The Guardian, The US Sun)
In preparation for Tucker’s potential departure, the Ravens selected kicker Tyler Loop from Arizona in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Loop is expected to compete for the starting position in the upcoming season .(ESPN.com)
Tucker’s release marks a significant shift for the Ravens, who will enter the 2025 season without their longtime special teams cornerstone. The team aims to move forward while addressing both performance and ethical standards within the organization.
