Justin Tucker was easily the NFL’s best kicker of the 2010’s, but age may be coming for the Ravens legend. Entering Week 13’s contest against the Philadelphia Eagles, Tucker had converted a mere 17 of his 23 field goal attempts, good for one of the lowest rates in the league. Those already subpar numbers took a dip in the loss to the Eagles, as the five-time All-Pro missed an extra point, a 47-yard field goal, and a 53-yard field goal. Baltimore lost 24-19, and Tucker’s misses may have been the difference between victory and defeat.
Tucker showed signs of slowing down last year and has only gotten worse in his age-35 season. Whether it’s the yips or just a physical dropoff, Justin Tucker is unreliable at this stage in his career. Seeing as kickers can have a massive impact on the game, fans and analysts across the league speculated that Baltimore could add some competition. However, head coach John Harbaugh put those rumors to rest in a postgame interview, saying that Tucker will remain the kicker for the duration of the season.
#Ravens HC John Harbaugh on the idea of switching kickers from Justin Tucker: “I don’t think that would be wise.” https://t.co/nO3HKBUJe4
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) December 2, 2024
Ravens John Harbaugh Defends Justin Tucker
For better or worse, the Ravens are stuck with Justin Tucker for the 2024 season. Reliable kickers are hard to find at any time in the year, but they’re especially rare at this point in the season. Finding an adequate free agent is difficult enough, but Baltimore would also need to create a roster spot. While another kicker could begin on the practice squad, they’d need to eventually be on the 53-man roster to earn an extended stay with the team. Doing this means either cutting Tucker or placing him on the injured reserve, which is a difficult decision to make.
With this being said, don’t be surprised if the Ravens bring in competition in the offseason. With 90 open roster spots and financial motivations to part ways with Justin Tucker, a competent free agent or rookie could win the job next year.
Main Photo: Mitch Stringer – USA Today Sports
