Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker is one of the best in the history of the NFL, but all good things must come to an end. Originally signed as an undrafted free agent following the 2012 NFL Draft, the Texas product beat out Billy Cundiff as a rookie and never looked back. Over the next decade, Tucker established himself as the NFL’s best kicker by a country mile, making seven Pro Bowl teams while earning First-Team All-Pro honors on five occasions and obtaining a spot on the All-2010s Hall of Fame team.
Tucker’s unparalleled dominance gives him a decent shot of making the Hall of Fame when all is said and done, but that won’t save his job in the present day. Even though he made the Pro Bowl in 2023, Tucker only connected on one of his five attempts from 50+ yards. This was a sign of things to come, as the 35-year-old kicker is having his worst season to date. If things don’t turn around quickly, this could be the last year Justin Tucker plays for the Ravens.
Ravens Could Cut Justin Tucker After The Season If Struggles Continue
Tucker entered Week 11 making 78.9% of his field goal attempts, the seventh-worst mark in the league. This is worrisome on its own, as it would easily be the worst mark of his career. However, that number dropped during Baltimore’s heartbreaking loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The future Hall of Famer went 1-3 on the day, hitting a 54-yard field goal but missed 47- and 50-yard attempts. The Ravens lost by two points, so they probably win if Justin Tucker had made either one of those kicks.
Now 7-4 and two games behind the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC North race, the Ravens will almost certainly have to go on the road in the Wild Card round. This dramatically decreases the odds of Baltimore winning it all, so Tucker may leave this team as just a one-time Super Bowl champion.
The Ravens won’t cut Justin Tucker before the end of the season, as they won’t be able to find an adequate replacement on such short notice. However, if the kicker cannot turn it around, the team could bring in some competition in the offseason.
Contract Issues
Tucker is playing on a contract that technically goes through the 2027 season. However, the deal doesn’t carry any guaranteed money beyond the 2024 season, so the Ravens could cut him without any negative financial implications. Baltimore won’t want to cut him before ensuring they have an adequate replacement on the roster, so don’t be surprised if the team uses one of their late-round draft picks on a potential Tucker replacement.
According to OverTheCap, the Ravens can save $4.2 million in cap space by cutting Justin Tucker after June 1st, 2025. This allows Baltimore to bring in a rookie and have the two compete throughout offseason programs. Tucker will have the opportunity to prove himself, but this will be an open competition. If the fresh blood proves to be the more reliable option, then the Ravens could unceremoniously part ways with one of the greatest players in franchise history.
Main Photo: Barry Reeger – USA Today Sports
