The Baltimore Ravens have made a significant change in their kicking department by naming rookie Tyler Loop as the new starting placekicker, replacing long-time veteran Justin Tucker. This announcement came after Loop showcased an outstanding performance in the preseason, highlighting the club’s confidence in his abilities.
During the Week 2 preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys, Loop successfully converted five of six field goal attempts, including impressive long-distance kicks of 53 and 51 yards. His strong showing contributed to the Ravens’ decisive 31-13 victory. Following the game, head coach John Harbaugh officially confirmed Loop as the team’s primary kicker. When asked about the news, Loop simply responded, “That’s fun.”
Initial Intent Behind Drafting Tyler Loop Explained by Ravens General Manager
Tyler Loop was selected in the sixth round of the 2025 <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL Draft, a move that initially sparked speculation about Justin Tucker’s future with the franchise. At the time, many believed Loop was brought in to eventually take over Tucker’s role. However, Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta provided clarity on the team’s strategy, emphasizing that drafting Loop was aimed at strengthening the roster rather than signaling an immediate replacement.
“No, I haven’t really thought about that at this point,” DeCosta said, via the team’s transcript. “I just thought he was a really talented player, and it made sense for us to do that for a lot of different reasons.”
— Eric DeCosta, Ravens General Manager
“We’ve told you guys multiple times this spring that we would look at kickers, and so, for us, it’s like any other position this year. We evaluated all these guys, we felt like he was draftable. We felt like he was the best kicker. It made sense for us to take him.”
— Eric DeCosta, Ravens General Manager
Despite DeCosta’s initial reassurance, the decision to start Loop suggests the organization is ready to move forward with the young kicker. For now, Loop’s impressive preseason efforts have energized fans and raised expectations for the upcoming regular season, while the future role of Justin Tucker remains uncertain.
What This Change Means for the Ravens and Their Season Outlook
Replacing a veteran kicker like Justin Tucker is a bold move for Baltimore, reflecting both the confidence in Tyler Loop’s skill set and the team’s forward-looking approach. Loop’s strong preseason debut demonstrates his potential to perform under pressure and adds fresh energy to the Ravens’ special teams unit.
As the regular season approaches, all eyes will be on Loop to see if he can maintain his high level of accuracy and contribute to the team’s scoring opportunities. Meanwhile, this shift highlights the Ravens’ willingness to embrace new talent and adapt their roster for sustained competitive success.