In order to prepare for upcoming roster decisions, the Baltimore Ravens are scheduled to work out possible kicker Justin Tucker replacements.

For the Baltimore Ravens, the kicker position has long been a strength, thanks to one of the most accurate and reliable players in NFL history—Justin Tucker. Since joining the NFL in 2012, Tucker has established himself as arguably the best kicker of all time, consistently delivering clutch performances, setting records, and earning All-Pro honors. His accuracy, especially in high-pressure situations, has made him a cornerstone of the Ravens’ special teams for over a decade. However, despite Tucker’s continued excellence, the Ravens are preparing for a future beyond him. To that end, the team is reportedly working out potential replacements for Tucker, keeping their roster decisions in mind and looking to ensure long-term stability at a critical position.

Justin Tucker: A Legacy of Excellence

Before diving into the Ravens’ efforts to secure a potential future kicker, it’s important to understand the magnitude of Justin Tucker’s impact on the team. Tucker’s journey to becoming one of the NFL’s most legendary kickers is one marked by consistency, clutch performances, and incredible accuracy.

Tucker entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2012 and quickly earned a spot on the Ravens’ roster. He wasted no time in proving his worth, breaking the NFL record for the most consecutive field goals made to start a career. From the beginning, Tucker was a perfect fit for the Ravens’ philosophy of being a well-rounded, disciplined team that could count on special teams in tight games.

Over the years, Tucker has set numerous records, including the longest field goal in franchise history (66 yards) and the highest career field goal percentage in NFL history. As of 2025, Tucker’s career field goal percentage hovers around 90%, an astonishing figure that speaks volumes about his consistency and ability to perform under pressure.

Additionally, Tucker has been a key player in many crucial moments for the Ravens, especially in the postseason. He has delivered game-winning kicks in critical playoff matchups and has served as a reliable contributor to the Ravens’ success during both the regular season and playoffs. His leg has been a crucial part of the team’s identity, especially in close games where special teams often play a decisive role.

However, as is the case with all NFL players, time eventually catches up to even the best of them. Tucker, born in 1989, is now in the latter stages of his career. While he has shown no significant signs of decline, the Ravens understand that the kicking game is one where consistency is crucial, and the transition from a player of Tucker’s caliber to his eventual replacement must be handled carefully.

Why the Ravens Are Preparing for Life After Tucker

While Justin Tucker has been the Ravens’ kicker for over a decade, the team is not resting on their laurels. They understand that no player, no matter how great, can play forever. The average career length for a kicker in the NFL is relatively short, and even elite kickers like Tucker will eventually see their careers come to an end, whether due to age, injury, or other factors.

There are several reasons why the Ravens are preparing to work out potential replacements for Tucker:

1. Tucker’s Age and Long-Term Planning: Justin Tucker is entering his mid-30s, which is typically considered the tail end of a kicker’s prime. While kickers can often extend their careers longer than other players in the league, the Ravens want to plan for the future. It’s not about replacing Tucker immediately, but rather ensuring that they have a smooth transition when the time comes. By identifying and evaluating young kickers now, the Ravens can avoid a scenario where they are scrambling to find a new kicker in a critical season.
2. Special Teams Stability: Special teams often play a pivotal role in a team’s overall success, especially in close games and tight playoff matchups. Tucker has been a linchpin of the Ravens’ special teams for years, and the team understands that they must maintain the same level of reliability in this area even after Tucker’s departure. Securing a capable kicker, whether as a backup or future starter, ensures that the Ravens’ special teams unit remains solid, especially in high-pressure situations where a successful field goal or extra point could decide the outcome.
3. Salary Cap Flexibility: Although Tucker’s contributions are invaluable, the Ravens are aware of the importance of salary cap flexibility in maintaining a balanced roster. Tucker is one of the highest-paid kickers in the NFL, and while he has certainly earned every penny, the Ravens may want to explore future options that offer more financial flexibility. By working out potential replacements now, the team can evaluate whether they need to allocate resources to other positions or if they can afford to keep Tucker on the roster for the remaining years of his career.
4. Development of Young Talent: Even if Tucker is still performing at an elite level, the Ravens could benefit from developing young talent at the kicker position. NFL teams have found success by grooming younger players behind established veterans, and kickers are no exception. By bringing in young kickers and giving them opportunities to compete in practice and preseason games, the Ravens can create a pipeline of talent that is ready to step up when needed. This also allows the team to scout kickers who may be able to compete with Tucker for the starting role in future seasons or serve as a backup in case of injury.
5. Competitive Edge: The Ravens are a team that prides itself on being prepared for every situation. By working out potential replacements for Tucker, they are ensuring that they stay ahead of the curve. The NFL is a league where every position is competitive, and teams must always be looking for ways to improve or find an edge. Having a ready-made replacement for Tucker on the roster would provide the Ravens with a seamless transition if Tucker were to retire or suffer an injury that kept him out for an extended period.

Who Are the Potential Replacements?

As of 2025, the Ravens have not announced any specific candidates to replace Justin Tucker, but the team has reportedly scheduled workouts for a variety of kickers. While it’s impossible to predict who will eventually replace Tucker, the Ravens are looking for several key traits in any potential replacement:

1. Accuracy: Tucker’s consistency and accuracy are his trademarks, and any potential replacement will need to match or exceed these traits. Kickers in the NFL must demonstrate reliability in a variety of conditions, including on the road, in cold weather, and during high-pressure moments. The Ravens will be looking for a kicker with a strong track record of making field goals from all distances, especially in clutch situations.
2. Leg Strength: While Tucker’s leg strength has never been in question, the ability to kick field goals from long range is an important factor in the Ravens’ evaluation process. The team values kickers who can make field goals from 50 yards or more, as they often find themselves in situations where a long kick is necessary to win games. A kicker with a strong leg would be a significant asset for the team, particularly given the emphasis the Ravens place on special teams.
3. Mental Toughness: Kickers are often under immense pressure in the NFL, especially in tight games. The Ravens will be looking for a kicker who can handle the mental challenges of the position and step up when the game is on the line. Whether it’s a game-winning field goal in the final seconds or a crucial extra point in a playoff game, the ability to perform under pressure is a must.
4. Kickoff Ability: While Tucker is known for his precision on field goals, his ability to handle kickoffs has also been a valuable asset to the Ravens. Teams in the NFL rely on kickers to handle both field goals and kickoffs, and the Ravens will likely want a kicker who can excel in both areas.
5. Physical Fitness: While kickers may not endure the physical pounding that other positions do, the Ravens will want to ensure that any potential replacement is in top physical condition. The NFL is a demanding league, and kickers must be able to maintain their leg strength and flexibility throughout the long season.