In a move that shocked both fans and league insiders, the Baltimore Ravens made the difficult decision to release longtime kicker Justin Tucker earlier this offseason. For more than a decade, Tucker was not only the most accurate kicker in NFL history but also a beloved figure in the Ravens locker room and among the Baltimore fanbase. Now, as questions swirl about the future of the team’s special teams unit, Ravens insider Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic has reignited the conversation with a telling insight: the door may not be completely closed on Tucker’s time in Baltimore.
“By maintaining that cutting Tucker was a football decision, the Ravens kept the door open for a reunion,” Zrebiec wrote. “Still, they’d have to be in a pretty tough spot to make that call. I might be in the minority here, but I believe Tucker will kick again in the NFL. All indications are that he wants to.”
Zrebiec’s analysis aligns with a quiet but persistent feeling among those close to the team: while Tucker’s release was largely about roster construction and salary cap considerations, the Ravens didn’t slam the door shut on the idea of a comeback. And with an uncertain kicking situation heading into training camp, whispers of a reunion continue to grow louder.
Justin Tucker’s departure wasn’t taken lightly. The 34-year-old kicker has been the gold standard at his position since entering the league in 2012. An undrafted free agent out of Texas, Tucker quickly proved himself with an uncanny blend of leg strength, technical precision, and composure under pressure. He became the fastest kicker to reach 1,000 points and holds the NFL record for longest field goal at 66 yards—a game-winner in 2021 against the Detroit Lions.
For years, he was not just reliable but elite, converting nearly 91 percent of his field goal attempts. He was often the difference-maker in tight games and an instrumental piece of Baltimore’s playoff pushes.
But the 2024 season brought noticeable signs of decline. Tucker missed a career-high six field goals, struggled on kicks beyond 50 yards, and had multiple games where his impact was limited. More importantly, his $5 million cap hit became a point of concern for a team needing financial flexibility. With several key players due for extensions—particularly on defense—the Ravens made the tough call to release their franchise kicker.
“We have nothing but love and respect for Justin,” said general manager Eric DeCosta at the time. “This wasn’t easy. But it was a football decision based on where we are and where we’re going.”
The Ravens signed veteran kicker Brett Maher to a one-year deal shortly after Tucker’s release, and they’ve also brought in undrafted rookie Chris Dunn from NC State to compete during training camp. While Maher has experience, including playoff appearances with the Cowboys and Saints, he’s also been inconsistent throughout his career. Last season, he missed four extra points in a single playoff game, drawing heavy criticism and creating doubts about his reliability under pressure.
Dunn, meanwhile, was one of college football’s most prolific kickers, but transitioning to the NFL can be notoriously difficult for even the most accomplished college legs. The pressure, narrower hash marks, and varying stadium conditions often take time to adjust to.
As the Ravens move deeper into training camp, reports suggest neither Maher nor Dunn has definitively seized the starting job. That uncertainty is precisely why Zrebiec’s comment has sparked so much conversation.
“There’s no question they’re watching closely,” one league scout said. “If Maher struggles, or if an injury happens, Tucker’s phone could be ringing fast.”
Part of what makes the Tucker situation so emotionally charged is his legacy in Baltimore. He wasn’t just a reliable leg—he was a locker room leader, a media favorite, and a fan icon. Known for his opera singing, charismatic interviews, and calm demeanor, Tucker brought an intangible presence that extended beyond the field.
“There was never a moment too big for Justin,” former teammate Calais Campbell said. “He was automatic when we needed him most. That kind of confidence is rare.”
His absence is already being felt in camp, not only in the kicking competition but also in the day-to-day rhythm of practice. Special teams coach Randy Brown, who helped develop Tucker into an All-Pro, has had to recalibrate how he manages expectations with a new, unproven group.
“You don’t just replace Justin Tucker,” Brown said recently. “You adapt. You develop. But the standard he set will always be part of this organization.”
Since his release, Tucker has remained largely silent, staying out of the media spotlight and opting not to comment publicly on his future. But sources close to the kicker say he has stayed in game shape, continuing his training regimen and remaining open to opportunities. Whether that’s a return to Baltimore or a fresh start elsewhere remains to be seen.
“He hasn’t ruled out anything,” one source said. “He’s just waiting for the right call. And if that call comes from Baltimore? He’d absolutely listen.”
In a recent Instagram post, Tucker shared a photo of himself training alone on a field with the caption: “Stay ready so you don’t have to get ready.” Fans flooded the comments section with pleas for him to return, echoing the sentiment of a fanbase still emotionally attached to No. 9.
The path to a reunion, however, isn’t as simple as mutual admiration. Salary cap implications remain a factor. Bringing back Tucker—even on a short-term or incentive-laden deal—would require Baltimore to navigate its current financial constraints. As of now, the Ravens have limited space under the cap, and any unexpected moves could ripple through the roster.
Timing also plays a role. The Ravens will likely allow Maher and Dunn to go through the full training camp and preseason before making any big decisions. Unless there’s a glaring issue, the team may want to avoid appearing indecisive.
Still, Zrebiec’s insight—that the team left the door open intentionally—should not be ignored. It’s a subtle but important signal from within the organization that Tucker is not considered “done” by the front office, even if the initial decision to part ways was painful.
If Baltimore hesitates, other teams could be quick to act. Several franchises around the league have kicker questions heading into the season. The New England Patriots, for example, have yet to settle on a consistent option. The Denver Broncos have cycled through several kickers in recent years. Even playoff hopefuls like the Green Bay Packers and Miami Dolphins might see value in adding a proven veteran with playoff experience.
“Justin Tucker is still better than at least half the kickers in the NFL right now,” one anonymous special teams coordinator told NFL Network. “It’s not a matter of ‘if’—it’s a matter of ‘when and where.’”
Ultimately, football is a business, but it’s also a game of emotion and memory. Justin Tucker has meant more to Baltimore than just made field goals. He represented stability, professionalism, and greatness. His departure left a hole not easily filled.
Zrebiec’s column merely confirmed what many fans hoped was true: this isn’t a goodbye forever. It’s a pause.
Whether that pause ends with a dramatic mid-season return, a retirement ceremony, or a playoff reunion remains to be seen. But as long as the Ravens struggle to find consistent footing in the kicking game, the most obvious answer may still be sitting just a phone call away.
And for fans who still chant his name and wear his jersey, the hope remains alive: that one day, Justin Tucker will again line up at M&T Bank Stadium—not just as a memory, but as the Raven he was always meant to be.
