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The Baltimore Ravens released longtime kicker Justin Tucker on Monday, ending a 13-year run with one of the NFL’s most accurate kickers. The move comes while Tucker is under investigation by the NFL for allegations of sexual misconduct.
Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta called it “a tough decision.”
“Sometimes football decisions are incredibly difficult, and this is one of those instances,” DeCosta said in a statement. “Considering our current roster, we have made the tough decision to release Justin Tucker.
“Justin created many significant and unforgettable moments in Ravens history. His reliability, focus, drive, resilience and extraordinary talent made him one of the league’s best kickers for over a decade. We are grateful for Justin’s many contributions while playing for the Ravens. We sincerely wish him and his family the very best in this next chapter of their lives.”
NFL Investigation and Allegations
Tucker, 35, is accused of sexual misconduct by 16 massage therapists from eight spas in the Baltimore area. The alleged incidents reportedly happened between 2012 and 2016, during his early years with the Ravens.
The Baltimore Banner first reported the claims earlier this year. According to the report, some therapists refused to treat Tucker again, and two spas banned him from returning. Tucker denied the allegations, calling them “unequivocally false,” and said he was never banned.
In February, the NFL began interviewing some of the women involved. Commissioner Roger Goodell called the allegations serious but said the league would wait for the investigation to finish before commenting further.
A Costly Contract Move
Tucker was in the middle of a four-year, $22 million extension that made him the NFL’s highest-paid kicker. The Ravens released him with three years remaining, avoiding his $4.2 million salary for 2025. By cutting him after June 1, Baltimore will gain $4.2 million in cap space this year, with the remaining $7.5 million in dead money split over two seasons.
Tucker’s Replacement Already in Place
The Ravens signaled a possible change at kicker during the NFL Draft on April 26, when they selected Arizona kicker Tyler Loop in the sixth round. It was the first time in franchise history they had drafted a kicker.
Loop made 6 of 9 field goals from beyond 50 yards in college, including a 62-yarder last season. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh had already discussed the draft plans with Tucker, who had been practicing at the team facility recently.
After watching Loop kick during rookie minicamp on Sunday, Harbaugh said, “Whatever we decide to do over the next few weeks will be based on football.”
A Hall of Fame-Caliber Career
Tucker was the longest-tenured player on the Ravens and the last remaining member of their 2012 Super Bowl team. He became a fan favorite thanks to his clutch performances, opera singing, and humorous local commercials. His No. 9 jersey was one of the most popular at home games.
He leaves Baltimore as the team’s all-time leading scorer and holds the NFL record for career field goal percentage (89.1%). He also owns the record for the longest field goal in league history: a 66-yard game-winner in 2021.
Tough Ending to a Rough Season
Despite his past success, Tucker struggled last season, converting just 22 of 30 field goals (73.3%), the lowest percentage of his career and 31st in the NFL. He missed 10 total kicks—three more than his previous worst.
Still, at the end of the season, DeCosta showed full confidence in Tucker.
“I have every expectation that Justin’s going to be a great kicker for us next year and moving forward,” he said on Jan. 22.
That changed just a week later when the Banner published its report. On Jan. 30, six massage therapists accused Tucker of exposing himself during treatments. More women came forward on Feb. 1 and Feb. 16, bringing the total to 16. Tucker’s lawyers denied the claims, saying the accusations were impossible to prove.
Future Uncertain for Tucker
Tucker went undrafted out of Texas in 2012 but quickly rose to become one of the league’s most reliable kickers. While he now becomes a free agent, he still faces potential discipline from the NFL under its personal conduct policy.
His future in football—and his legacy—are now clouded by the ongoing investigation.
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This report used information from ESPN.
