Ravens’ Kicking Job Wide Open: Battle to Replace Justin Tucker Predicted to Be ‘Hotly Contested’ Ahead of 2025 Season
The Baltimore Ravens are entering uncharted waters. For over a decade, Justin Tucker has been the unshakable presence at kicker, a future Hall of Famer widely regarded as the most accurate in NFL history. But with Tucker no longer with the team following his sudden release amid off-field allegations, the Ravens now face one of the most underappreciated but crucial challenges of any NFL team: finding a dependable kicker.
And according to multiple sources inside the organization, including head coach John Harbaugh, the battle to replace Tucker is shaping up to be hotly contested.
Life After Justin Tucker: A Legacy to Replace
Replacing a legend is never easy. Since joining the Ravens in 2012, Tucker has converted 90.2% of his field goals, made countless game-winners, and delivered consistently in the clutch. He has been both a statistical and emotional anchor for a team known for gritty defense and ball control. Losing a player of that stature creates not just a hole on the depth chart, but a void in identity.
“No one is pretending this will be easy,” Harbaugh admitted in his first media appearance since the start of training camp. “Justin was more than just our kicker. He was part of the heartbeat of this team.”
The Contenders: Youth, Experience, and Opportunity
With training camp underway, the Ravens have brought in three kickers to compete for the coveted job:
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Chad Ryland – The former New England Patriots fourth-round pick had a rocky rookie season in 2023 but was brought in for a fresh start. He has a strong leg and a chip on his shoulder.
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Christopher Dunn – The 2022 Lou Groza Award winner at NC State went undrafted but has been waiting for his shot. His consistency in college makes him a serious contender.
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Blake Grupe – After flashes of brilliance with the Saints, Grupe joins the Ravens with valuable NFL experience and the mental toughness needed to survive the pressure cooker of Baltimore.
“This is the most wide-open competition we’ve had since 2012,” special teams coordinator Chris Horton said. “These guys know what’s at stake. This isn’t just about leg power—this is about trust.”
Why It Matters: Field Goals Win Championships
In a league where parity reigns and games are often decided by three points or less, a reliable kicker is a necessity. The AFC North is notorious for tight, physical games. Whether it’s a showdown with Cincinnati under the lights or a snowy December clash in Pittsburgh, the Ravens will need someone who can deliver under pressure.
Veteran cornerback Marlon Humphrey put it plainly: “We’ve seen too many games come down to kicks. Whoever wins this job better be that guy.”
Harbaugh’s Philosophy: “Iron Sharpens Iron”
Harbaugh, a former special teams coach himself, isn’t shying away from the intensity of the situation.
“We’re not going to crown anyone in July,” he said. “Iron sharpens iron. We want to see how these guys respond in two-minute drills, in the elements, with the crowd noise, with the team counting on them.”
Sources indicate the team is even considering a joint practice kicking contest with the Washington Commanders during preseason camp to simulate real-game conditions.
Locker Room Dynamics: Trust Must Be Earned
Inside the locker room, the pressure is palpable. Long snapper Nick Moore and punter Jordan Stout, both crucial parts of the kicking operation, emphasized the importance of rhythm and chemistry.
“It’s not just about a guy who can bang a 60-yarder in warmups,” Moore said. “It’s about building confidence and trust. That starts now.”
Lamar Jackson, the face of the franchise, also weighed in. “Tuck [Justin Tucker] was clutch. Whoever steps up, we need to know they’ve got ice in their veins.”
Free Agency Option? Ravens Not Ruling It Out
Though the team is committed to evaluating its current trio, league insiders suggest the Ravens are also monitoring the free agent market. Veterans like Mason Crosby and Randy Bullock remain unsigned, and it’s possible Baltimore could look to bring in another experienced leg if none of the current candidates separate themselves by Week 2 of the preseason.
“Every position is evaluated daily,” GM Eric DeCosta said. “We’re confident in our group, but we’re also not naïve. This is the NFL—performance rules.”
Fan Perspective: From Skepticism to Hope
Baltimore fans are understandably nervous. Social media has been flooded with speculation and concern about how the team will navigate life without Tucker.
But some, like longtime Ravens fan Marcus Jenkins, are taking a glass-half-full approach. “No one replaces Justin Tucker,” Jenkins said. “But maybe this is the start of someone else’s legacy. I’m rooting for whoever earns it.”
What’s Next: Preseason Crucial for Evaluations
The Ravens’ first preseason game will serve as a major barometer. Coaches will track not only made field goals, but operation speed, composure under pressure, and sideline demeanor. Harbaugh emphasized that this battle won’t be won or lost on stats alone.
“You find out a lot when it’s loud, the game’s on the line, and 65,000 people are watching,” he said.
Replacing the best kicker in NFL history is no small feat, but the Ravens are embracing the challenge with their signature grit. Whoever earns the job won’t just be filling a roster spot—they’ll be carving out their place in franchise history.
As the competition heats up, one thing is certain: Baltimore will settle for nothing less than excellence.
“Pressure creates diamonds,” Harbaugh said. “We’ll find out who shines.”
