For the first time in ages, the Baltimore Ravens are faced with uncertainty at kicker.
Justin Tucker, one of the NFL’s all-time greats, was released on May 5 amid a league investigation for sexual misconduct.
Rookie sixth-rounder Tyler Loop and undrafted John Hoyland will compete in training camp to replace Tucker, though neither obviously has any NFL experience outside of minicamp.
ESPN’s Jamison Hensley recently said of the competition: “Loop and Hoyland both had up-and-down moments in the spring, which makes this the most hotly contested position battle of Ravens training camp.”
How did we get here? And which kicker has the upper hand for the starting job? Here’s a closer look at where things stand as camp gets underway.
Why Did the Ravens Release Justin Tucker?
The 35-year-Tucker was released in May after allegations of sexual misconduct were made against him by 16 massage therapists from eight different spas in the Baltimore area, according to the Baltimore Banner. The report, which surfaced publicly in January, said that the alleged incidents took place between 2012-16, Tucker’s first five seasons in the NFL.
Tucker was quick to deny the allegations, calling them, “unequivocally false.”
“I maintain I did not act inappropriately at any point before, during, or after a professional bodywork treatment session,” Tucker said in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter).
In June, the NFL suspended Tucker for the first 10 weeks of the season for violating the league’s personal conduct policy.
Tucker is a seven-time Pro Bowler and the most accurate kicker in league history, having converted 89.1% of his attempts. But he was uncharacteristically off the mark last season, missing a career-worst 10 kicks. He is also just 53.3% (16-of-30) on attempts of 50 yards or more over the last three seasons.
Tucker had three years remaining on a four-year, $22 million extension that he signed in August 2022. At the time, it was the highest contract ever given to an NFL kicker.
Who is Replacing Justin Tucker?
The Ravens took their potential kicker of the future in April’s draft, selecting Loop in the sixth round (186th overall) out of Arizona. Renowned for his strong leg, Loop was 6-of-9 on attempts from 50-plus yards in college, including a 62-yarder last season.
A pre-draft scouting report by NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein called Loop a “highly experienced kicker with NFL leg strength and consistency of ball flight.”
The other kicker currently competing to replace Tucker is Hoyland, who made 79.3% (73-of-92) of his field-goal attempts over five years at Wyoming. That includes going 52-of-54 from under 40 yards.
Hensley said that while Loop may have the edge thanks to his powerful leg, Hoyland “can’t be discounted after a solid offseason.”
And so, the competition for Tucker’s successor will continue.
Ravens Battle to Replace Justin Tucker Predicted to Be ‘Hotly Contested’