For the first time in over 13 years, it looks like the Ravens will have a new kicker.
After a season in which Justin Tucker missed eight field goals and two extra points, the Ravens kicker has faced a number of allegations of sexual misconduct from Baltimore-area massage therapists, first reported in a series of stories in the Baltimore Banner. Tucker has called the claims “unequivocally false,” and the NFL is investigating the matter.
Ravens coach John Harbaugh addressed the Tucker situation publicly for the first time at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis Tuesday.
“It’s not what you want to wake up and read,” Harbaugh said. He added that the team would make determinations on Tucker’s future with the team at the conclusion of the NFL investigation.
Ravens GM Eric DeCosta also spoke to media at the Combine and called the allegations “serious” and “concerning.”
Compounding the off-field concerns, Tucker is 35 years old. While he has been statistically one of the greatest kickers in NFL history, last season he had uncharacteristic struggles.
In his press conference Tuesday, Harbaugh ultimately said the team would have already been looking to add a kicker in the NFL Draft based on where Tucker’s competition fitness is at.
“Every position’s important. We’re going to look at every single position, but certainly different years you look at different positions. We’re looking at kickers,” Harbaugh said. “We’re looking at a lot of positions—we’re looking at every position, but I’d say the kicker position would’ve been a priority no matter what because Justin’s our kicker… We love him and I would’ve always expected him to keep going forever, but nobody goes forever.”
