Ravens Face Dilemma with Kicker Justin Tucker Amid Controversies and Potential Successor
OWINGS MILLS, Md. — As the month draws to a close, the Baltimore Ravens are confronting a significant decision about the future of their legendary kicker, Justin Tucker, particularly with the presence of his potential successor, Tyler Loop. Ravens’ coach, John Harbaugh, addressed the situation, stating, “Every choice we make is founded on football rationale. It’s a complex situation because you have a rookie kicker who was selected early in the sixth round. He’s highly skilled. From a football perspective, taking into account the salary cap and various other factors, our decisions in the upcoming weeks will remain football-centric.”
This offseason, allegations against Tucker have emerged, with 16 massage therapists accusing him of inappropriate conduct, including sexual misconduct, as reported by The Baltimore Banner. Tucker has twice publicly denied these claims. Meanwhile, he has continued his workout routines at the Ravens’ facility. On the other hand, Loop, a rookie taken in the sixth round, kicked for the first time at the Ravens’ facility during the team’s rookie minicamp. May 27 marks the date when both Tucker and Loop are expected to practice together, as Baltimore’s offseason training kicks off. Previously, team officials had indicated that no decision regarding Tucker would be made until the NFL’s investigation concluded. However, a month later, the Ravens made an unprecedented move by drafting Loop, marking the first time in franchise history that they’ve selected a kicker.
“Regarding the investigation, we are in the dark, without any updates,” said Harbaugh. “This is how the process functions, and so it’s impossible for us to make decisions based on unknowns.” At 35, Tucker holds the title of the most accurate kicker in NFL history but is coming off the least successful season of his 13-year tenure, having missed 10 kicks. Should the Ravens decide to release Tucker, they might designate him as a post-June 1 cut to spread the $7.5 million in dead money over two years, thereby freeing up $4.2 million in cap space this season.
Loop, the top-rated kicker drafted by the Ravens this year, is acknowledged for his reliability and impressive power. He has succeeded in six out of nine field goals from beyond 50 yards, including a notable 62-yarder last season. At the NFL combine, Loop excelled by making 13 out of 14 field goal attempts (93.3%), culminating with a successful 60-yarder. Observing Loop for the first time, Harbaugh commented, “It’s impressive how the ball sounds when it leaves his foot.”
Additionally, during the Ravens’ minicamp, second-round pick, linebacker Mike Green, refrained from discussing the two prior sexual assault charges against him. “Every team inquired about these allegations, and I’ve been completely transparent,” said Green, who topped the FBS with 17 sacks. “It was a part of my past that I have moved through, and now my focus is solely on advancing my career with the Ravens.”