Why Justin Tucker Is Not Signed to an NFL Team in 2025: The Full Story

By Jason Bolton June 03, 2025 09:15

Justin Tucker, widely regarded as the greatest kicker in NFL history, shocked the football world when the Baltimore Ravens released him on May 5, 2025, after 13 seasons of unparalleled excellence. The move ended a remarkable era in Baltimore and left many wondering why a player with Tucker’s resume and reputation is currently unsigned in the 2025 NFL offseason.

A Career of Unmatched Accuracy and Clutch Kicking

Tucker’s career has been nothing short of legendary. Holding the all-time highest field goal percentage in NFL history at 89.1%, he has been a model of consistency and reliability. Over 13 seasons, Tucker made countless game-winning kicks, including a record 66-yard field goal, the longest in NFL history. His accolades include five All-Pro selections and multiple Pro Bowl appearances, and he is often cited as the gold standard for NFL kickers.

Despite this, Tucker’s 2024 season marked a notable downturn. He missed eight field goals the most in any season since 2015 and finished the year converting only 22 of 30 attempts. This decline in accuracy raised concerns within the Ravens organization about his future performance.

The Ravens’ Difficult Decision

The Ravens’ decision to release Tucker was multifaceted. General Manager Eric DeCosta described the move as “incredibly difficult,” praising Tucker’s “reliability, focus, drive, resilience and extraordinary talent” over the years. However, the team also had to consider roster dynamics and salary cap implications. Tucker was entering the final three years of a lucrative contract worth $24 million, with a base salary of $4.2 million in 2025 and a dead cap hit of $7.5 million the largest dead cap charge for a kicker in NFL history.

Moreover, the Ravens had recently drafted kicker Tyler Loop in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, signaling their intention to transition to a younger, less expensive option. The timing of the release as a post-June 1 cut allowed the Ravens to spread Tucker’s dead cap hit over two years and free up $4.2 million in salary cap space for the 2025 season.

Off-Field Controversies

Adding complexity to the situation are ongoing investigations involving Tucker. He has been the subject of multiple sexual misconduct allegations by more than a dozen massage therapists. While the NFL has yet to conclude its investigation, these allegations have undoubtedly influenced the Ravens’ decision and may affect Tucker’s prospects with other teams.

What’s Next for Justin Tucker?

At 35 years old, Tucker is at a stage where many kickers remain productive, but the combination of a down year, salary demands, and off-field issues has made teams cautious. Despite this, Tucker’s talent and track record suggest he could still perform at a high level if given the opportunity.

As of now, no NFL team has signed Tucker for the 2025 season. General Manager Eric DeCosta had expressed earlier optimism about Tucker’s future with the Ravens, stating, “I fully anticipate that Justin will excel as our kicker next year and beyond.” However, that optimism has given way to a clean break.

The Broader NFL Landscape

Tucker’s release highlights the unforgiving nature of the NFL, where even the greatest players face scrutiny when performance dips or off-field issues arise. The Ravens’ move also reflects a growing trend of teams prioritizing salary cap flexibility and younger talent, especially at specialist positions like kicker.

Justin Tucker’s absence from an NFL roster in 2025 is the result of a convergence of factors: a rare decline in kicking accuracy, significant salary cap considerations, the emergence of a younger replacement, and ongoing off-field investigations. While his legacy as the greatest kicker in NFL history remains secure, the next chapter in Tucker’s career is uncertain. Whether he will return to the league or step away remains to be seen, but his impact on the game will be remembered for generations.