According to The Athletic, the Ravens want to follow the NFL’s example and are still playing the waiting game with Justin Tucker.

For more than a decade, Justin Tucker has been the gold standard at the kicker position in the NFL. The Baltimore Ravens’ veteran kicker has been nearly automatic, earning a reputation as the most clutch and reliable leg in football. Despite this, according to a report from The Athletic, the Ravens appear to be playing the waiting game with Tucker when it comes to his future contract, mirroring the NFL’s broader approach to special teams investments.

While teams have shown an increasing willingness to pay top dollar for quarterbacks, wide receivers, and pass rushers, the kicker position remains one of the most undervalued in the league. Even though Tucker has repeatedly proven that an elite kicker can directly impact a team’s success, Baltimore seems content to let the market dictate his future instead of immediately securing their longtime star with an extension.

This approach raises several key questions: Why are the Ravens waiting? What does it mean for Tucker’s future? And how does this decision reflect the broader trends in the NFL? Let’s take a closer look at the waiting game being played between the Ravens and their all-time great kicker.

Justin Tucker’s Legacy in Baltimore

Since signing with the Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2012, Justin Tucker has rewritten the record books. He holds the record for the most accurate kicker in NFL history, converting over 90% of his field goal attempts. His ability to nail kicks from 50-plus yards has made him an invaluable asset for Baltimore, especially in close games.

Perhaps Tucker’s most legendary moment came in 2021 when he drilled an NFL-record 66-yard field goal against the Detroit Lions as time expired. That kick wasn’t just an extraordinary feat of leg strength; it was a reminder that when the game is on the line, the Ravens have a secret weapon no other team can match.

Over the years, Tucker has been selected to multiple Pro Bowls, earned All-Pro honors numerous times, and has played a key role in Baltimore’s playoff runs. His consistency, confidence, and clutch performances have made him one of the most respected specialists in the NFL.

So why, then, would the Ravens hesitate to lock up such a valuable player for the foreseeable future?

The Ravens’ Waiting Game: A Strategic or Risky Move?

The Ravens have a reputation for making calculated contract decisions, rarely rushing into deals unless the situation demands it. This approach has helped them remain competitive for decades, allowing them to maximize roster flexibility and build around key players.

When it comes to Tucker, the Ravens seem to be following a similar strategy. Rather than offering an extension early, they are allowing the market to evolve, perhaps waiting to see how kicker salaries progress before making a long-term commitment.

This tactic is not unusual in today’s NFL. While quarterbacks, pass rushers, and wide receivers have seen their salaries skyrocket, kickers have not enjoyed the same financial boom. The Ravens may be betting that they can keep Tucker happy while also maintaining leverage in negotiations by not rushing to sign him immediately.

However, this approach comes with potential risks. If Tucker sees his value underappreciated by the Ravens, it could lead to tension between player and franchise. While it’s hard to imagine Tucker playing anywhere else, the longer the Ravens wait, the more uncertainty they invite into the equation.

Additionally, the value of an elite kicker should not be underestimated. The difference between a Super Bowl contender and a playoff disappointment can often come down to a single kick. Baltimore has built its identity on defense and special teams, and losing Tucker—or even creating uncertainty around his future—would be a major gamble.

The State of the NFL Kicker Market

One of the key reasons the Ravens might be delaying a new deal for Tucker is the current state of the kicker market. While Tucker is already the highest-paid kicker in the league (he signed a four-year, $24 million extension in 2022), his value has arguably increased as the NFL continues to emphasize offensive efficiency.

Teams are realizing that having an elite kicker can be a game-changer. Just in the past few seasons, we’ve seen kickers like Harrison Butker (Kansas City Chiefs), Jake Elliott (Philadelphia Eagles), and Evan McPherson (Cincinnati Bengals) become major factors in their teams’ playoff runs.

But despite their impact, kicker contracts remain relatively modest compared to other positions. The top-tier quarterbacks are earning over $50 million per season, while top kickers are making a fraction of that. Even though kickers directly contribute to scoring and can decide games in the final moments, teams are hesitant to invest large sums in the position.

Baltimore might be waiting to see if the market shifts before committing more money to Tucker. If other kickers begin to receive larger contracts, the Ravens may feel pressure to adjust their offer. But if the market remains stagnant, Baltimore may believe they can retain Tucker without breaking new financial ground.

What Would a New Justin Tucker Deal Look Like?

If the Ravens do ultimately extend Tucker’s contract, it will likely reset the kicker market once again. Given that his current deal averages $6 million per year, a new extension could push that figure closer to $7-8 million annually.

While that number may seem small compared to superstar quarterbacks or edge rushers, it would be a significant jump for a kicker. And given Tucker’s historic accuracy, leadership, and ability to perform in high-pressure moments, the Ravens would have little reason to hesitate in making him the highest-paid kicker once again.

Another possibility is a contract that includes performance-based incentives. The Ravens could structure a deal that rewards Tucker for continued excellence, such as bonuses for field goals made from 50-plus yards or accuracy above a certain percentage.

Regardless of the exact structure, Baltimore will need to ensure that Tucker remains both well-compensated and happy with his role in the team’s long-term plans.

The Bigger Picture: What This Means for the Ravens’ Future

While the Tucker contract situation may seem like a minor subplot in the grand scheme of Baltimore’s offseason, it actually highlights a broader trend in how the Ravens manage their roster.

Baltimore has always been known for its methodical and disciplined approach to team-building. Whether it’s contract negotiations, drafting strategy, or player development, the Ravens prioritize long-term sustainability over short-term spending sprees.

By taking a patient approach with Tucker, they are signaling that they remain committed to their philosophy. However, they must also recognize that special teams have been one of their greatest strengths over the past decade, and Tucker is the foundation of that success.

If the Ravens let this situation linger too long, it could create unnecessary tension. While Tucker has never given any public indication that he is unhappy in Baltimore, the business side of the NFL is always unpredictable.

 Will the Ravens Secure Their Kicking Legend?

Justin Tucker has meant everything to the Baltimore Ravens over the past 12 years. He has delivered in the biggest moments, set records, and established himself as the most automatic kicker in the history of the sport. Despite all of this, the Ravens appear to be taking a cautious approach to his next contract, opting to wait and see how the market unfolds.

While this strategy may be financially sound, the Ravens must be careful not to take their greatest special teams weapon for granted. In a league where games are often decided by razor-thin margins, having the best kicker in history is a competitive advantage that no team should overlook.

Ultimately, the expectation is that the Ravens will find a way to keep Justin Tucker in Baltimore for the rest of his career. Whether that deal comes this offseason or in the near future remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Ravens cannot afford to lose the best kicker the NFL has ever seen.