The Baltimore Ravens find themselves at a critical crossroads following the unexpected exit of Justin Tucker, a player long regarded as one of the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL’s best kickers. On May 5, the Ravens released Tucker amid serious sexual misconduct allegations, thrusting rookie Tyler Loop and free agent John Hoyland into a fierce competition to secure the starting kicker position during the upcoming training camp. This shift marks a significant moment, as the team addresses the challenge without a seasoned NFL player in the role.
Details Surrounding Justin Tucker’s Release
Tucker’s release comes after troubling claims made by 16 massage therapists from eight Baltimore-area spas, stemming from incidents reportedly occurring between 2012 and 2016. Despite these accusations becoming public earlier this year, Tucker has strongly denied any wrongdoing.
I maintain I did not act inappropriately at any point before, during, or after a professional bodywork treatment session.
—Justin Tucker, Former Ravens Kicker
In addition to these allegations, the NFL handed Tucker a 10-week suspension for violating its personal conduct policy. While Tucker’s career boasts an extraordinary 89.1% success rate on field goals and seven Pro Bowl selections, his recent on-field performance had declined. He missed a record 10 kicks last season and converted just 53.3% of attempts beyond 50 yards over the past three years. With three years remaining on his $22 million contract—one of the richest deals ever for a kicker—the Ravens face a precarious decision moving forward.
Profiles of the New Kicking Candidates: Tyler Loop and John Hoyland
Following Tucker’s exit, the Ravens leaned heavily on their recent draft choices to fill the void. Sixth-round pick Tyler Loop, selected 186th overall from Arizona, has drawn attention for his impressive leg strength, having made 6-of-9 field goals from beyond 50 yards in college, including a stunning 62-yard kick last season. A pre-draft scouting report praised him as a
highly experienced kicker with NFL leg strength and consistency of ball flight.
—Pre-Draft Evaluation
John Hoyland, an undrafted free agent from Wyoming, stands as a strong challenger with solid consistency. Over five years in college, Hoyland converted 79.3% of his attempts, excelling particularly at shorter distances, where he made 52 of 54 field goals under 40 yards. ESPN analyst Jamison Hensley noted that although Loop has a power advantage, Hoyland
can’t be discounted after a solid offseason.
—Jamison Hensley, ESPN
Intense Competition Looms as Ravens Prepare for Training Camp
With training camp rapidly approaching, the Ravens’ special teams unit is preparing for a fierce battle between Loop and Hoyland. Neither contender has played in a regular-season NFL game beyond minicamp, making this an opportunity to prove their readiness at the professional level. The uncertainty left by Tucker’s sudden departure has raised the stakes, making this one of the most closely watched position battles this preseason.
The outcome will not only determine the next Ravens kicker but could also influence the team’s overall stability, given the crucial role of a reliable kicker in close games. As the Ravens work toward a successful season and eye their Super Bowl aspirations, who steps up to claim the kicking job remains a significant storyline.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Will Justin Tucker play in 2025?
A. Tucker has rejected the accusations, although the NFL has banned him for the first 10 weeks of the 2025 season, and he is still a free agent.
Q. Is Justin Tucker the best kicker ever?
A. Justin Tucker has the NFL’s longest successful field goal at 66 yards. He has made 63 field goals from over 50 yards, second only since 1991. As of Week 16 in the 2024 season, his field goal success rate is 89.1%, the best in NFL history.
Q. Is Justin Tucker going to play in 2025?
A. The NFL has announced that Justin Tucker will not play in the first 10 games of the 2025 season due to breaking the personal conduct rules.
Q. How many languages does Justin Tucker speak?
A. Justin Tucker (VII) has the ability to perform opera songs in seven languages: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Latin, and Russian.