Baltimore Ravens Part Ways with Star Kicker Justin Tucker Amid Allegations

The Baltimore Ravens have made the decision to release their renowned kicker, Justin Tucker, citing it as a football-related choice. This announcement comes prior to the completion of an NFL investigation into Tucker, who has recently faced serious accusations from multiple massage therapists regarding inappropriate behavior.

Tucker, a five-time All-Pro player, has been a key figure in the Ravens' roster for all 13 years of his professional career. Despite being regarded as one of the greatest kickers in NFL history, his performance saw a notable decline in the previous season.

Reports indicate that over a dozen massage therapists have accused Tucker of inappropriate sexual conduct, prompting the NFL to initiate an investigation. In light of these developments, the Ravens drafted a new kicker, Tyler Loop, late last month.

Ravens General Manager Eric DeCosta stated that this decision was not taken lightly, emphasizing the football-related aspects of roster management. He acknowledged the challenges inherent in such decisions, particularly in light of recent events surrounding Tucker.

Head Coach John Harbaugh previously hinted at the possibility of this decision being made before the investigation's conclusion, stating that all choices must prioritize the team's football strategy. With a new rookie kicker in the lineup, considerations around salary cap and overall roster balance influenced the decision to part ways with Tucker.

Throughout his career, Tucker has maintained his innocence regarding the allegations, asserting that he acted appropriately during professional treatments. As the Ravens' last remaining player from their most recent Super Bowl championship team, Tucker holds the record for the longest field goal in NFL history at 66 yards and boasts the highest field goal success rate of 89.1% among kickers with over 100 attempts.

Despite his achievements, Tucker's performance in the 2024 season included a career-high of eight missed field goals, although he showed signs of improvement as the season progressed. The Baltimore Banner's report in January raised questions about his future with the team.

DeCosta reflected on Tucker's contributions to the Ravens, acknowledging the significant moments he created during his tenure. He expressed gratitude for Tucker's dedication and talent, wishing him well in his future endeavors.