The Baltimore Ravens made a headline-grabbing decision on Monday, May 5, as they officially parted ways with longtime kicker Justin Tucker. The move was announced by General Manager Eric DeCosta via a statement on X (formerly Twitter), closing the chapter on Tucker’s storied 13-year tenure with the team.
In the statement, DeCosta acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, calling it one of the more painful ones in his time with the organization. However, while the announcement pointed to roster considerations as the reason for the release, it notably made no mention of the serious off-field allegations that have recently surrounded the veteran kicker.
Justin Tucker: A Career Once Marked by Consistency Now Clouded
Tucker’s release comes at a time when both his professional performance and personal reputation have been under increasing scrutiny. Once known for his near-flawless accuracy and game-winning reliability, Tucker saw a noticeable drop in form during the 2024 season. He converted just 22 of his 30 field goal attempts, marking a career-low 73.3% success rate. For a player who had once redefined expectations at his position, the dip was both uncharacteristic and deeply concerning.
But the decline on the field isn’t the only factor weighing on Tucker’s future. Earlier this year, he became the focus of a troubling investigation that has only grown more serious with time. In January, a report by The Baltimore Banner detailed accusations from six massage therapists who alleged misconduct during private sessions with Tucker. The claims included reports of indecent exposure, inappropriate physical contact, and other offensive behavior. Two of the involved wellness centers reportedly banned Tucker following the alleged incidents.
The controversy deepened further in February, when seven additional women came forward with similar allegations. The growing number of accusers—now totaling 13—has brought significant attention to Tucker’s situation. Despite the wave of accusations, he has firmly denied all claims, stating in a January 30 public address that the allegations are “unequivocally false” and that he has “always sought to conduct [himself] with the utmost professionalism.” His wife, Amanda Tucker, also released a statement expressing support, saying that the situation has caused “so much hurt” to their family and reaffirming her belief in her husband’s innocence.
A New Era for the Ravens
While the NFL has not reached a final conclusion, a league spokesperson confirmed to CBS Sports that the investigation into Tucker is still ongoing. This leaves the door open for potential disciplinary action, even in the absence of a current team affiliation.
In the meantime, the Ravens have acted quickly to reshape their special teams unit. With the 186th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the team selected Tyler Loop, a promising kicker from Arizona. The move signals Baltimore’s intent to move forward and rebuild from what has undoubtedly been a complicated chapter.
As for Justin Tucker, his future in the NFL remains uncertain — now hinging not only on his ability to recover from a slump in performance but also on the outcome of an investigation that continues to cast a long shadow over his once-pristine career.
