The Baltimore Ravens are expected to use an ACC kicker in place of Justin Tucker.

The Baltimore Ravens have long been regarded as a team with a deep history of excellence in special teams, and one of the cornerstones of that legacy has been their placekicker, Justin Tucker. Since entering the NFL in 2012, Tucker has become one of the most accurate and reliable kickers in league history, a reputation solidified by his consistently clutch performances and ability to make kicks from all distances. From game-winning field goals to long-distance bombs that would be daunting for most kickers, Tucker has built a career that has cemented him as one of the best kickers in NFL history.

However, recent reports suggest that the Ravens may soon face a reality in which they will need to find a replacement for Tucker. Whether due to his potential departure in free agency, age, or a shift in the team’s overall strategy, the Ravens are rumored to be considering utilizing an ACC kicker to fill Tucker’s shoes in the near future. This news has sent shockwaves throughout the league, raising questions about whether the team can replace a legend like Tucker with a rookie or inexperienced kicker from the ACC, a conference known for producing some impressive kickers in recent years.

Justin Tucker’s Legacy with the Baltimore Ravens

Before diving into the potential decision to move on from Tucker, it’s important to understand just how monumental his impact has been on the Ravens’ special teams. Over the past decade, Justin Tucker has been the gold standard for placekicking in the NFL. He has made countless game-winning field goals, and his consistency has been unparalleled. Tucker has set numerous franchise records, including the most field goals made in a single season and the most consecutive field goals made.

Tucker’s accuracy, particularly on long field goals, is legendary. He holds the NFL record for the longest field goal made in a game (66 yards), a remarkable feat that exemplifies his leg strength and precision. Tucker has also been a key factor in the Ravens’ success in tight games, routinely stepping up when the team needed him most.

In addition to his long-distance prowess, Tucker is known for his consistency on extra points and his ability to make crucial kicks in high-pressure situations. Whether it was a game-deciding 50-yard field goal in the playoffs or a clutch kick to win a regular-season game, Tucker has been the type of kicker every team hopes for. His ability to maintain a high level of play even under extreme pressure has made him one of the NFL’s most respected and beloved players.

Why the Ravens Might Look for a New Kicker

Despite Tucker’s legendary status with the Ravens, the team could soon find themselves in a position where they have to move on from their all-time great kicker. There are several factors contributing to the idea that the Ravens may consider moving on from Tucker and bringing in a new kicker, particularly from the ACC:

1. Age and Contract Situation: Justin Tucker, as of the 2025 NFL season, will be entering his 14th year in the league. While Tucker has shown no significant signs of slowing down, age is an unavoidable factor for any player, especially kickers, who often experience a decline in leg strength and accuracy as they age. The Ravens may be looking ahead to the future, considering the possibility that Tucker could decline in the coming years. Additionally, Tucker’s contract situation could become a concern. He will likely be seeking a higher salary as he gets closer to the end of his career, which might make it financially challenging for the Ravens to keep him in the long term.
2. Cap Space and Financial Considerations: The Ravens are facing a tight salary cap situation, and the idea of allocating significant resources to a kicker may not be a priority as they aim to secure key players at other positions. By moving on from Tucker, the Ravens could free up cap space to improve other areas of their roster, such as the offensive line, wide receiver corps, or secondary. Kicker is a position where many teams opt for a more affordable solution, and the Ravens may choose to invest in a younger, less expensive option in order to allocate more resources elsewhere.
3. Younger Options from the ACC: Over the past several years, the ACC has produced several talented kickers who have impressed scouts and NFL teams alike. The conference is known for producing some of the best college kickers, and the Ravens could see an opportunity to bring in a young kicker from the ACC who has the potential to develop into a reliable option. Whether through the draft or as a priority undrafted free agent, the Ravens may believe that they can find a solid replacement for Tucker without breaking the bank or committing long-term resources to a veteran kicker.
4. Special Teams Evolution and Value: The NFL has evolved in recent years, with teams placing an increasing emphasis on special teams play. While having a reliable kicker remains a top priority, some teams are now finding that they can succeed with a kicker who is a bit more inconsistent as long as other aspects of special teams—like punting, kickoffs, and coverage—are strong. The Ravens could look to a new, younger kicker to fit into this evolving special teams philosophy, knowing that the kicker position, while still crucial, may not need to be as much of a premium asset as it was in previous years.

The Potential of ACC Kickers

The ACC has recently seen a surge of talented kickers who have proven themselves at the collegiate level. Several kickers from the conference have shown strong leg power, accuracy, and clutch performances in big moments, which makes them enticing options for NFL teams looking to fill a void at the position. Some of these kickers have already been scouted and could be on the Ravens’ radar as potential candidates to replace Tucker.

Cade York (LSU), a standout in the SEC, exemplifies the type of talent the Ravens might seek in an ACC-based prospect. While York is not directly from the ACC, the conference is home to a variety of kickers with similar skill sets. The prospect of finding a young, strong-legged kicker who can handle pressure is appealing to the Ravens, as they have long relied on Tucker’s ability to make critical kicks when it matters most.

Additionally, ACC kickers such as Brett Maher from North Carolina, who made a name for himself with his leg strength and accuracy, could be a target for the Ravens. Maher’s ability to make long kicks and his consistent performances in high-pressure situations make him an intriguing candidate. While Maher may not have the same illustrious track record as Tucker, he would offer a fresh start for the Ravens and potentially an option with fewer financial demands.

Potential Draft Options

The 2025 NFL Draft presents the Ravens with the opportunity to select a kicker who has impressed in college football. The Ravens could look to the draft as an avenue to secure a young, capable kicker who could develop behind a special teams coach and make an impact in the coming seasons. While it’s unlikely the team would spend a high draft pick on a kicker, they could look for a value pick later in the draft or during undrafted free agency to find a reliable replacement for Tucker.

Several kickers from the ACC and other conferences have been projected as late-round or undrafted free-agent targets. These kickers would come with more uncertainty, but they would also provide a cost-effective solution for the Ravens in comparison to paying a veteran such as Tucker for another few years.

The Future of Justin Tucker in Baltimore

Despite the possibility of moving on from Justin Tucker, it’s still important to consider that the Ravens may ultimately decide to retain their legendary kicker for the long term. Tucker’s leadership and consistency are qualities that cannot easily be replaced, and the Ravens’ front office may decide that the financial investment in keeping him is worth it. As one of the most iconic players in franchise history, Tucker may also decide to retire a Raven, solidifying his place in Baltimore’s football legacy.

However, if the Ravens do opt for a change, the focus will likely shift to finding a younger, more affordable kicker who can step into the spotlight and help the team succeed in the future.