The Baltimore Ravens will work out a possible replacement for Justin Tucker.

When you think about consistency, clutch performance, and legacy in the NFL, few names resonate louder in the kicking game than Justin Tucker. Since joining the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2012, Tucker has not only redefined the role of the placekicker but has become a cultural icon in Baltimore and beyond. But for the first time in over a decade, the Ravens are actively preparing for a future without him—on and off the field.

According to several reports, including Baltimore Beatdown, the Ravens have begun working out potential replacements, most notably Florida State’s standout kicker Ryan Fitzgerald. That decision marks a pivotal moment in franchise history and could signify a turning point in Tucker’s storied career.

So why now? Why would a team even consider parting ways with the most accurate kicker in league history, a five-time All-Pro, and arguably the best to ever do it? The answer is complex—and it involves both a sharp decline in performance and troubling allegations off the field.

A Legacy Under Threat

Justin Tucker is not just another kicker. He’s a Baltimore legend.

Since 2012, Tucker has made 395 field goals on 437 attempts—good for a career field goal percentage above 90%, the highest in NFL history until recently. He’s hit game-winners from distances most kickers would never attempt. His 66-yard field goal against the Lions in 2021 still stands as the longest in NFL history. He’s earned the nickname “Mr. Automatic” for good reason.

Tucker has also embodied the ideal teammate—intelligent, articulate, involved in the community, and beloved by Ravens fans. He’s been a vocal leader and a calming presence in pressure-packed playoff moments. He’s even become known for his opera-singing talents, which he’s displayed on everything from NFL commercials to charity events.

But even the greatest face decline. And 2024 was the first year that Tucker looked… human.

The 2024 Season: A Statistical Fall from Grace

While the Ravens made a deep playoff push last season behind the MVP-level play of Lamar Jackson and a bruising defense, Tucker quietly endured the worst season of his career.

He missed a league-high 10 kicks—eight field goals and two extra points. His field goal percentage dropped to 70.4%, the lowest in his career and the worst of any kicker in the NFL last season who attempted at least 20 field goals. Statistically, that ranked him 576th out of 602 qualifying seasons by a kicker in the last 25 years.

Tucker missed two field goals in critical moments late in the season—one in a narrow loss to the Steelers, and another in the divisional playoff round against the Chiefs. Both misses swung momentum and sparked conversations inside the building about whether the once-untouchable Tucker was still the best option going forward.

Head coach John Harbaugh defended his kicker at the time, telling reporters, “We’re not contemplating any changes at kicker. Justin has earned our trust. Every player goes through tough stretches, and he’s still the guy we believe in.”

Still, privately, Ravens leadership began considering contingency plans.

The Off-Field Cloud: Allegations and NFL Investigation

If the on-field regression was the only issue, Tucker’s status would likely still be secure heading into 2025. But troubling off-field developments have significantly complicated the equation.

In March, a Baltimore Sun investigation revealed that 16 massage therapists from eight different establishments had accused Tucker of inappropriate conduct over a two-year span. The allegations ranged from suggestive comments to unwanted physical contact. Tucker has denied the accusations, and no charges have been filed at the time of writing, but the NFL has launched an official investigation.

General Manager Eric DeCosta addressed the situation during a press conference at the NFL Combine, stating: “We take these allegations seriously. While we support the league’s investigation, we are also evaluating our internal options should anything develop further.”

For a franchise that has emphasized character and integrity—especially after the Ray Rice scandal a decade ago—the allegations have placed enormous pressure on leadership. While Tucker’s legal team has called the claims “baseless,” the optics are damaging. And as we’ve seen before, perception can often weigh just as heavily as performance in the NFL.

Ryan Fitzgerald: The First Audition

Enter Ryan Fitzgerald, the Florida State kicker who was nothing short of elite in 2024. Fitzgerald made all 13 of his field goal attempts and went 58-for-58 on PATs. Known for his calm demeanor and strong leg, Fitzgerald was instrumental in FSU’s undefeated regular season.

Multiple sources confirmed that Fitzgerald was invited to a private workout with the Ravens earlier this month—an indication that Baltimore is doing more than due diligence. They’re preparing for a future where Tucker may not be on the roster.

Special teams coordinator Chris Horton reportedly led the session, focusing on kickoffs, mid-range accuracy, and pressure kicks simulated under game conditions. Fitzgerald, who is projected to be a late-round draft pick or priority free agent, told The Athletic that the Ravens’ “attention to detail and professionalism really stood out.”

“I’ve looked up to Justin Tucker my whole life,” Fitzgerald said. “It would be an honor just to be in the same room as him. But if there’s a chance to compete, I’ll be ready.”

Other Names in the Mix

Fitzgerald isn’t the only potential heir the Ravens are evaluating. League insiders have pointed to Pittsburgh’s Ben Sauls, who made six field goals from 50+ yards in 2024, as another target. His booming leg and quick release have scouts buzzing.

Baltimore has also monitored veterans who could offer short-term stability if the team decides to part ways with Tucker before the season starts. Among them:

• Nick Folk (Titans): The 39-year-old led the NFL in FG percentage the last two years and remains a model of consistency.
• Matt Prater (Cardinals): Though limited by injury in 2024, Prater still has one of the strongest legs in the league.
• Chase McLaughlin (Buccaneers): A younger option with a high ceiling, McLaughlin quietly had a standout 2024 campaign.

Any of these names could enter the mix depending on the outcome of the NFL’s investigation or if Tucker’s performance falters further during training camp.

Cap Implications and Contract Structure

Tucker signed a four-year, $24 million extension in 2022, making him the highest-paid kicker in NFL history. He carries a $6.1 million cap hit in 2025, which ranks in the top 10 among Ravens players.

Cutting Tucker outright would cost the team $4.8 million in dead cap, but a post-June 1 designation could free up over $3 million in savings—a significant amount for a team that will soon need to extend stars like Kyle Hamilton and Tyler Linderbaum.

Restructuring Tucker’s deal is another option, but that would only make sense if the team still believed in his long-term viability. As it stands, Baltimore may be willing to absorb the financial hit if it means clearing the air and starting fresh.

Locker Room Dynamics and Legacy

Inside the Ravens’ locker room, Tucker is still deeply respected. Multiple players have referred to him as a “pillar of the team,” and his leadership extends beyond the field. He’s been a mentor to younger players, a frequent speaker at community events, and a visible ambassador for the organization.

However, sources close to the team suggest there is “growing discomfort” among some players regarding the ongoing off-field situation. While no players have spoken out publicly, several have told The Ringer that the allegations have created an “awkward tension” during offseason workouts.

“You don’t want to believe it,” said one veteran anonymously. “But you also can’t ignore it. It’s a distraction.”

What Happens Next?

The Ravens are expected to wait until after the NFL Draft before making any public decision on Tucker. If they use a late-round pick or sign a rookie kicker, the writing may already be on the wall. If no move is made, Tucker could enter camp as the starter, with a legitimate challenger pushing him every step of the way.

There is also the possibility that the NFL places Tucker on the Commissioner’s Exempt List, depending on the findings of the investigation. In that scenario, he would continue to receive his salary but be barred from participating in games or practices.

No matter how it ends, the Justin Tucker era in Baltimore has been historic. If this is the end, it’s a complicated, bittersweet conclusion to one of the most reliable and entertaining careers in recent memory.

But the NFL doesn’t deal in sentimentality. It deals in performance, integrity, and business. Right now, all three elements are swirling around Tucker—and none of them are providing certainty.

The Ravens, as always, are preparing for every scenario. That includes life without their legendary kicker.

And that’s something we never thought we’d have to say.