Baltimore drops Justin Tucker after 13 seasons and serious off-field accusations

The Baltimore Ravens, an NFL team renowned for its defensive prowess and solid special teams play, have made a decision that has rocked the sports world—cutting ties with their franchise kicker, Justin Tucker, after 13 stellar seasons. Tucker, widely regarded as one of the greatest kickers in NFL history, was not only the most reliable weapon for the Ravens’ special teams but also a cornerstone of their team for over a decade. His reliability in clutch moments, precise accuracy, and consistency made him a fan favorite in Baltimore, and his departure marks the end of an era.

However, Tucker’s release comes under dark clouds, as serious off-field accusations have been leveled against him, forcing the Ravens’ front office to make the difficult decision to move on from their beloved kicker. While Tucker’s performance on the field has been nothing short of exceptional, the off-field allegations have led the Ravens to sever their ties with him, leaving the team—and its fans—grappling with the consequences.

This article will explore the events leading to Tucker’s release, the nature of the off-field accusations, the impact on the Ravens, and the legacy of Justin Tucker, who has been one of the most dependable kickers the NFL has ever seen.

Justin Tucker: A Stellar Career in Baltimore

Before diving into the circumstances surrounding his release, it’s important to reflect on Justin Tucker’s remarkable career with the Baltimore Ravens. Signed as an undrafted free agent in 2012, Tucker quickly established himself as one of the NFL’s most accurate and reliable kickers. Over his 13 seasons with the Ravens, Tucker became the franchise’s all-time leading scorer and one of the most successful kickers in NFL history.

Tucker’s accolades are extensive: he is the NFL’s all-time leader in field goal percentage (at least 300 attempts), making 90.1% of his field goals over his career. His ability to hit long-range kicks—especially in clutch moments—earned him a reputation as one of the most dependable special teams players of his generation. Whether it was a game-winning field goal or a 60+ yarder in adverse weather conditions, Tucker was always the go-to player for the Ravens when the game was on the line.

Moreover, Tucker’s performance in key moments only added to his legendary status. One of his most iconic moments came in 2013 when he made the longest field goal in NFL history, a 66-yard game-winner against the Detroit Lions. The kick not only won the game but cemented Tucker’s reputation as one of the most reliable and clutch kickers in league history. It was moments like this that made Tucker a beloved figure in Baltimore, and his consistent excellence helped the Ravens stay competitive year after year.

Tucker’s leadership in the locker room was also an integral part of his role with the Ravens. He was known for his professionalism, work ethic, and positive attitude, making him a respected presence among teammates. His relationship with long-time holder Sam Koch and long snapper Morgan Cox created one of the most cohesive special teams units in the NFL, and his reliability gave Ravens fans confidence in all games, regardless of the circumstances.

However, despite all of his success and admiration, the circumstances surrounding Tucker’s departure have thrown his career into a complicated light, as serious off-field allegations have emerged in recent months.

The Allegations: What Led to Tucker’s Release?

As of the 2025 offseason, Justin Tucker had been involved in a series of off-field controversies that would eventually lead to his release by the Ravens. While the full scope of the allegations is still being investigated by authorities, what we do know is that the accusations involve serious allegations related to personal misconduct. These allegations have not only cast a shadow over his impeccable reputation but have also sparked an internal review within the Ravens’ organization, which led to their decision to part ways with the kicker.

The accusations first surfaced when multiple reports indicated that Tucker had been involved in off-field incidents that raised significant concerns regarding his character and personal behavior. These allegations, while unproven at the time of his release, were serious enough to prompt the Ravens’ front office to act swiftly and decisively, ultimately resulting in his release.

The Ravens’ front office issued a brief statement following the release, acknowledging the difficult nature of the decision while highlighting the importance of maintaining the integrity of the organization. The statement did not go into specific details regarding the allegations but emphasized that the Ravens would not tolerate any actions that conflicted with the team’s values and standards.

“The Baltimore Ravens have always stood for integrity, respect, and professionalism, both on and off the field. After careful consideration and review, we have decided to move forward without Justin Tucker,” the statement read. “This decision was not made lightly, but we feel it is in the best interest of our organization moving forward.”

Although Tucker’s legal team has denied the allegations, the mere presence of such serious accusations created an untenable situation for the Ravens. With the NFL’s emphasis on maintaining player conduct standards and the potential for public backlash, the Ravens likely felt that parting ways with Tucker was the most prudent course of action to protect the team’s image and avoid further controversy.

The Impact on the Ravens

The decision to release Justin Tucker has had a significant impact on the Baltimore Ravens, both on and off the field. On the field, Tucker’s departure leaves a huge void in the team’s special teams unit. Over the course of his career, Tucker had been a near-guarantee in the kicking game, and his consistency was a key factor in the Ravens’ success over the years.

Tucker’s loss will be felt most acutely in clutch moments. The Ravens, a team built on defense and ball control, often relied on Tucker to convert long-range field goals or secure points in tight games. With Tucker no longer on the roster, the Ravens will be forced to find a new kicker capable of filling the shoes of one of the NFL’s all-time greats.

In addition to the on-field implications, Tucker’s release also creates a leadership void in the Ravens’ locker room. Tucker was a steady presence in the team’s special teams unit, and his professionalism was often cited as a model for younger players to emulate. His leadership in the locker room, especially in high-pressure situations, will be difficult to replace.

However, the Ravens’ decision to release Tucker was not solely about his performance on the field. The off-field allegations, no matter their truth, raised significant questions about Tucker’s character, and the Ravens needed to ensure that their team’s culture remained intact. The organization has long prided itself on its commitment to character and integrity, and maintaining that reputation is paramount, especially in the wake of the allegations.

What’s Next for Justin Tucker?

For Justin Tucker, his future is now uncertain. Once considered a future Hall of Famer, Tucker’s career is now clouded by the serious allegations against him. His release from the Ravens has left many questioning what’s next for the kicker, who has been one of the most consistent and dominant players in his position.

While Tucker’s legal team continues to deny the allegations, the fallout from his release could significantly impact his ability to find a new team. In the NFL, off-field controversies can sometimes be more damaging than on-field performance, and teams may hesitate to sign a player with such serious accusations hanging over him.

However, Tucker is still regarded as one of the best kickers to ever play the game, and it’s possible that he could receive interest from other teams, depending on the outcome of the legal proceedings. If the allegations against him are proven to be false or if he is able to clear his name, Tucker may have the opportunity to continue his career with another NFL franchise. That said, the damage to his reputation and the public scrutiny he will face may make it difficult for him to return to the NFL in the same capacity.

Tucker’s Legacy: A Career Marked by Excellence

Regardless of how his legal situation plays out, Justin Tucker’s legacy as one of the greatest kickers in NFL history is secure. During his time with the Baltimore Ravens, he established a standard of excellence that few players at his position have ever reached. His accuracy, clutch performances, and longevity made him a model of consistency, and his iconic kicks will forever be etched in the memories of Ravens fans.

Tucker’s career numbers speak for themselves: as of his release, he held numerous franchise records for the Ravens and was one of the most reliable kickers the NFL had ever seen. His ability to remain calm in pressure-filled situations, his penchant for making long-range field goals, and his leadership on special teams made him a cornerstone of the Ravens’ success over the years.

Despite the shadow cast by the allegations against him, Justin Tucker’s career accomplishments remain remarkable. His place among the all-time greats at his position is undebatable, and for many fans, his performances will be remembered as defining moments in the history of the Ravens franchise.

Justin Tucker’s release from the Baltimore Ravens marks the end of an era for the team and the franchise’s special teams unit. After 13 years of incredible contributions, Tucker has been caught in the midst of serious off-field allegations that have forced the Ravens to make the difficult decision to part ways with him. Whether Tucker can clear his name and continue his NFL career remains to be seen, but his legacy as one of the best kickers in league history is secure.

For the Ravens, the future will now involve finding a replacement for one of the NFL’s most consistent and clutch kickers. The organization will have to move forward, both on and off the field, while dealing with the fallout from a decision that has left fans, players, and coaches in shock. The story of Justin Tucker is far from over, but for now, his departure from the Ravens signifies the end of one of the most successful tenures for a kicker in NFL history.