Without Justin Tucker, the Baltimore Ravens sign undrafted K John Hoyland.

For the first time in more than a decade, the Baltimore Ravens are facing a reality no one around the organization—or the NFL—thought they’d have to consider so soon: life after Justin Tucker. The most accurate kicker in NFL history has defined a generation of Ravens football with his consistent excellence, clutch performances, and charismatic leadership. But as Father Time looms and the roster begins to evolve, the team is making moves to prepare for a world in which Tucker may no longer be the answer.

In a surprising post-draft decision, the Ravens signed former Wyoming kicker John Hoyland as an undrafted free agent. The move, subtle on its surface, could signal the beginning of a long-term contingency plan at one of the most stable positions in franchise history. While the signing doesn’t suggest Tucker’s job is in immediate jeopardy, it opens the door to an important question: Could Baltimore be starting to prepare for a future without the man often referred to as “the GOAT” of kickers?

Before diving into Hoyland’s arrival and potential future, it’s worth remembering what Justin Tucker means to the Ravens—and the NFL at large. Since joining the team as an undrafted free agent out of Texas in 2012, Tucker has become the gold standard for NFL placekickers.

Tucker boasts a career field goal percentage of 90.2%, the highest in league history. He’s also been named to five Pro Bowls, earned four First-Team All-Pro honors, and holds the record for the longest field goal in NFL history (66 yards), which he nailed to beat the Detroit Lions in 2021.

His ability to deliver in the clutch has turned him into a cult hero in Baltimore and earned respect throughout the league. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh once said, “If you’re building a football team from scratch, Justin Tucker might be your first pick at kicker—not just for what he does, but for how he carries himself.”

Yet, Tucker turned 35 years old in November, and while his performance hasn’t dropped precipitously, there were a few uncharacteristic misses in 2023, including a couple from 40–49 yards—his traditional sweet spot. The Ravens aren’t pushing him out the door, but the wheels may be turning in the front office to explore the future. And that’s where John Hoyland comes in.

John Hoyland enters the NFL with a résumé that rivals many drafted kickers. A product of the University of Wyoming, Hoyland made his name as one of the most consistent and reliable kickers in the college ranks.

In 2022, he was a Lou Groza Award semifinalist and earned First-Team All-Mountain West honors. He made 22 of 25 field goal attempts that season, including a long of 55 yards. Over his four-year career in Laramie, Hoyland connected on 79.5% of his field goal attempts and made 100% of his extra points—displaying both power and accuracy in challenging weather conditions.

Perhaps most notable is his cool demeanor under pressure. Hoyland nailed multiple game-winners in college and has drawn praise from coaches for his professionalism and focus. Despite his success, he was not selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, which has become a common fate for kickers unless they have truly elite tools or perfect college résumés.

The Ravens were quick to act, signing him as an undrafted free agent just hours after the draft concluded. According to league sources, Baltimore was one of three teams pursuing Hoyland, but the Wyoming product chose the Ravens due to their championship pedigree, coaching staff, and opportunity to learn from Justin Tucker himself.

Signing Hoyland doesn’t mean Justin Tucker is on the way out. In fact, general manager Eric DeCosta was quick to clarify that Tucker remains the team’s starting kicker heading into 2025. But the move is telling nonetheless.

Baltimore has long been a franchise that values depth and development at specialist positions. They have historically carried two punters or kickers during training camp, allowing young players to learn the NFL ropes while giving veterans a lighter workload. However, this is the first time in years the Ravens have signed a kicker with developmental upside rather than just a camp leg.

Hoyland may fill that traditional camp role in 2025, but DeCosta and Harbaugh have hinted that they view him as more than a placeholder.

“We like John a lot,” Harbaugh said in a recent press conference. “He was high on our board, even as a specialist. He has a strong leg, handles pressure well, and we think he has the makeup of an NFL kicker. We’ll see where it goes.”

There’s also a financial angle to consider. Tucker signed a four-year, $24 million extension in 2022, making him the highest-paid kicker in NFL history. The Ravens are a franchise that thrives on cap discipline and long-term planning. Preparing a potential successor now, while Tucker is still elite, ensures a smooth transition down the road—whether that road is in 2026 or later.

The question then becomes: what is the Ravens’ actual plan with John Hoyland?

There are three realistic scenarios:

In the simplest version, Hoyland is brought in to lessen Tucker’s load during training camp and preseason games. He handles kickoffs, attempts a few late-game field goals, and eventually gets cut in August with some tape to shop to other teams.

In this scenario, the Ravens like Hoyland enough to keep him around after training camp. NFL teams can now carry a kicker on the practice squad, and Baltimore could use that spot to continue developing Hoyland with the goal of him being ready in a year or two.

This approach mirrors what the New England Patriots once did with Jake Bailey behind Ryan Allen at punter. Eventually, Bailey took over and became a Pro Bowler.

Could Hoyland actually push for a roster spot this year? It seems unlikely given Tucker’s standing, but if something were to happen—a significant injury, decline in performance, or a trade offer—it’s not out of the realm of possibility that Hoyland could be fast-tracked.

Given Tucker’s status, Scenario 2 appears most likely.

One reason the Ravens are acting now is simple: nothing lasts forever in the NFL. While quarterbacks and wide receivers dominate headlines, kickers are often subject to sudden, unceremonious exits.

Even legendary specialists have seen abrupt endings to their careers. Adam Vinatieri, one of the most clutch kickers ever, saw his performance fall off in his early 40s. Mason Crosby quietly left the Packers after 16 years, replaced by a younger, cheaper option. Robbie Gould spent years battling for jobs despite being one of the league’s most accurate kickers.

Baltimore doesn’t want to be caught off guard. If the day comes when Tucker decides to retire—or if performance or salary issues arise—they want an internal option ready. Hoyland may not be the definitive heir, but he’s the start of the search.

For Hoyland, this is the opportunity of a lifetime. He’s not just trying to make an NFL roster—he’s trying to learn from the best and potentially become the next man up. In interviews, Hoyland has expressed deep admiration for Tucker.

“I’ve looked up to Justin Tucker since I was in high school. His technique, his preparation, everything about him—it’s been a model for me,” Hoyland told reporters after signing.

“To now be in a camp with him, to watch him every day and soak it in—that’s a dream. But I’m also here to prove I belong.”

Hoyland has the leg strength, mental toughness, and technical foundation to succeed. If he shows promise in training camp and preseason games, Baltimore might decide to hold onto him even if it means carrying two kickers—an unusual move, but not unprecedented in today’s roster structures.

Despite the long-term questions, Justin Tucker remains the present for the Ravens. He still possesses one of the strongest and most precise legs in the league. In 2024, he made 34 of 37 field goals and continued to be near-perfect on PATs. He’s healthy, motivated, and chasing another Super Bowl ring.

Tucker’s leadership within the locker room also can’t be overstated. He’s a vocal presence, a unifying figure, and one of the smartest football minds in the building.

Even if Hoyland develops into a legitimate NFL kicker, it’s hard to see a scenario in which he outright replaces Tucker anytime soon. But football is a business, and Baltimore is making sure they’re ready for anything.

The signing of John Hoyland isn’t front-page news for most NFL fans. But in Baltimore, it could mark the beginning of a new era.

Whether Hoyland becomes Tucker’s eventual successor or simply a footnote in the franchise’s history, his presence signals that the Ravens are looking ahead. No team wants to be forced into finding a kicker in a time of desperation. The best franchises prepare for change before it becomes necessary.