Ravens Release Justin Tucker

Justin Tucker has been widely regarded as one of the best—if not the greatest—kickers in the NFL over the past decade. The Baltimore legend consistently demonstrated exceptional accuracy and reliability, earning him a reputation as a clutch performer and an essential asset to the Ravens. However, in recent times, Tucker has faced challenges both on and off the field that have cast a shadow over his otherwise stellar career.

On Monday, Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta announced that the team had decided to release the controversial kicker. This move came just 24 hours after head coach John Harbaugh emphatically told reporters that any decision regarding Tucker’s future would be “based on football.”

Off the field, Tucker has been under scrutiny following accusations from 16 Baltimore-area massage therapists, who alleged inappropriate behavior spanning from 2012 to 2016. These claims were initially reported by the Baltimore Banner in January. Tucker has consistently denied any wrongdoing, categorically stating that the allegations are “simply not true.” Despite his firm denial, the controversy has undoubtedly put him in a difficult position both personally and professionally.

At 35 years old, Tucker has experienced one of the most challenging seasons of his career, making just 73.3 percent of his field-goal attempts—a career low for the veteran kicker. While this dip in performance is notable, it begs the question: would that alone truly be enough to release a player before trying to restructure his contract?

This leads us to our next topic: it’s likely that the salary cap influenced the Ravens’ decision to cut Tucker. According to the Baltimore Banner, Tucker carries the highest salary cap hit of any kicker for the 2025 season. By releasing him after June 1, the Ravens can strategically spread the financial impact across the upcoming year and into the 2026 season, providing more flexibility for the team moving forward.

In summary, Justin Tucker’s release marks the end of an era for Baltimore, where he was once considered a franchise cornerstone. The combination of his recent on-field struggles, legal allegations, and the team’s salary cap considerations appears to have culminated in this difficult decision, leaving fans to reflect on the complex legacy of one of the NFL’s most remarkable kickers.