The Baltimore Ravens released one of their most reliable players on Monday. Notably, this decision comes only nine days after they selected Tyler Loop with the sixth overall pick in the NFL Draft. Tucker‘s departure marks a significant shift for the franchise, which had not drafted a kicker in 30 years prior to Loop’s selection, with Tucker himself being the last in 2012. The Ravens had to make this decision while an NFL investigation is ongoing. This current probe is the investigation into Tucker’s sexual misconduct allegations between 2012 and 2016.
Tucker, 35, soon had allegations brought by 16 massage therapists. Those allegations stem from eight luxury spas and wellness centers in the greater Baltimore area. In spite of such damning allegations, on two occasions he has publicly denied wrongdoing. His recent performance made this choice a no-brainer. Tucker recently wrapped up the least accurate season of his 13-year career, converting on just 73.3% of his field goals and finishing 31st in the NFL, dead last. He missed 10 kicks last year, three more than any other season.
Ravens coach John Harbaugh went to great lengths to characterize the eventual decision to cut Tucker as nothing more than a football decision. He noted that the team should be concentrating on getting its kickers ready to go for next season at this point. Harbaugh acknowledged Tucker’s remarkable career, stating, “I mean, you’re talking about arguably the best kicker in the history of the game.”
General manager Eric DeCosta echoed Harbaugh’s sentiments, reaffirming that this was a move based on team strategy and performance. He noted, “So in that sense, it’s a football decision and now we have to spend all of our focus and our time to get these kickers ready.”
Tucker’s release, of course, opened up a thrilling new competition. Tyler Loop is competing with fellow kicker John Hoyland to see which one will step up to take over for Tucker. Given the Ravens’ recent success with kickers, their selection here will be telling as they look ahead.
The Ravens’ decision to cut Tucker goes beyond the obvious. Harbaugh remarked on the complexities involved, saying, “Like I just said, it’s a multilayer decision.” He concluded philosophically, “There’s a whole lot of dangers in the world,” underscoring the larger importance of their decision.
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