Justin Tucker’s NFL Suspension Ends: Who Will Sign the Kicker?

Baltimore, MD – Justin Tucker, former kicker for the Baltimore Ravens, is officially eligible to return to the NFL after serving a 10-game suspension for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. His suspension came after allegations of inappropriate behavior from several massage therapists covering a period from 2012 to 2016.

The NFL’s investigation, which was reported by the Baltimore Banner, involved interviews with multiple therapists who accused Tucker of misconduct. Both Tucker and his wife, Amanda, have denied the allegations, stating that he acted appropriately at all times during professional bodywork sessions.

After being suspended without pay, Tucker’s suspension began on the August 26 roster cutdown deadline, making him eligible for reinstatement on November 11. As of now, he is free to sign with any NFL team at the midway point of the season.

At 35, Tucker is regarded as one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history. He has a career field goal percentage of 89.1% and holds the record for the longest successful field goal with a 66-yarder. Despite these credentials, his performance dipped in the last season, where he hit only 73.3% of his kicks, including struggles with long-range attempts.

Since his release from the Ravens, Tucker has been training at the University of Texas. According to the NFL Network, several teams have expressed interest in him, although no official tryouts were scheduled prior to the end of his suspension.

Teams like the New York Giants, Green Bay Packers, San Francisco 49ers, and Indianapolis Colts might consider signing him due to their own kicker struggles this season. However, any potential signing would scrutinize Tucker’s past controversies, which could complicate his return to the league.

General managers face a difficult decision, weighing Tucker’s impressive skills against possible backlash from fans and the media. This situation highlights the challenging balance NFL teams must maintain between performance and public perception.

As he awaits a call from any interested team, Tucker’s future hangs in the balance, potentially leading to either a triumphant return or a quieter exit from the league.