For the Baltimore Ravens, it’s worst offseason ever, and they’re still knee-deep in the process of deciding what to do about their kicker blessing and curse. It’s worth mentioning that Justin Tucker, perhaps the most accurate kicker in NFL history, had a down year last season. He missed ten kicks—this during the worst stretch of his outstanding 13-year career. Off the field, Tucker is accused of engaging in predatory behavior from 16 different massage therapists, including specifically allegations of sexual misconduct. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, officials have emphasized that any decisions will be driven by football considerations.
In addition to the workouts, Tucker has been kicking at the Ravens’ facility in recent weeks. While he has a long track record of success, his letdown of a performance last season is hard to ignore. The team’s head coach, John Harbaugh, acknowledged the complexities of the situation, stating, “Every decision we make has to be based on football.” Harbaugh noted that the Ravens would not finalize any decisions regarding Tucker until the completion of the NFL’s investigation into the allegations against him.
If the Ravens release Tucker, they will need to designate him as a post-June 1 cut. This designation would affect their projected salary cap situation. This maneuver enables them to prorate the $7.5 million in dead money over two years. In turn, they save $4.2 million in salary cap space this year. The possible budgetary ramifications are a new twist to what is already a tough choice.
In an unexpected move, the Ravens drafted a kicker for the first time in franchise history, selecting Loop with the No. 186 pick. Loop enjoyed a phenomenal college career. He made 6-of-9 attempts from 50+ yards, including a beautiful 62-yarder last season. Tucker and Loop will receive their first opportunity to practice as a team together on May 27. This comes right as Baltimore kicks off their own as offseason training activities get underway.
Ravens rookie linebacker Mike Green finds himself under the microscope right now. That scrutiny is a result of decades of sexual assault allegations. Green dealt with these same accusations while at Virginia and in high school before transferring to Marshall. He declined to answer questions about the allegations at a recent minicamp. Though that’s not what he did, he did make clear his desire to promote his career with the Ravens.
“Every team asked me [about past sexual assault allegations], and I’ve been completely open about everything,” – Mike Green
Green downplayed the significance, stressing that he’s eager to concentrate on his new role with the Ravens.
“It is something that I had to go through, and I got through it. At this point forward, I’m just focused on moving on with my career at the Ravens.” – Mike Green
His on-course accomplishments, of course, will be closely watched, as he joins a squad going through an eclectic array of controversies themselves.
As these complicated dynamics played out, the Ravens had a decision to make. Talent or a track record of off-field problems. Harbaugh doubled down on his assertion that football considerations would guide their decision-making, especially as it relates to Tucker and Loop’s future in coaching or coordinator roles.
“Just from a football standpoint — salary cap, all the different things that you just take into consideration — whatever we decide to do over the next few weeks will be based on football.” – John Harbaugh
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