Justin Tucker’s Workout with Saints Ends Without Contract
In a surprising development for football fans, former Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker will not be joining the New Orleans Saints despite recently working out with the team. The Saints had brought Tucker in for a tryout following his 11-week suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy. The meeting came as the Saints searched for solutions to their kicking woes, with current kicker Blake Grupe struggling significantly throughout the season. Grupe missed two critical field goals in the team’s recent 24-10 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, adding to a concerning total of eight missed field goals this season.
Tucker, widely regarded as one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history, seemed a logical choice to address the Saints’ kicking problems. Saints head coach Kellen Moore acknowledged Tucker’s impressive career during a press conference, noting, “He’s been a really good kicker in this league for a really long time, and he’s had a ton of success and he’s been a leader for Baltimore.” Moore’s comments reflected the organization’s careful consideration of both Tucker’s on-field excellence and his recent controversies, adding that “there’s been some stuff that’s been unfortunate” while emphasizing Tucker had “gone through an experience” that required evaluation alongside his football capabilities.
The decision not to sign Tucker comes in the shadow of serious allegations that led to his departure from the Ravens after 13 remarkable seasons. Tucker was released following accusations from massage therapists alleging inappropriate sexual behavior—claims that Tucker has consistently denied. The situation marks a dramatic fall for a player who had been the face of consistency in Baltimore, where he had built a reputation not only as an elite kicker but also as a respected team leader. His sudden availability on the market represented both an opportunity and a complex decision for teams like the Saints who needed kicking help but had to weigh the off-field concerns.
Instead of signing Tucker, the Saints have reportedly decided to move in a different direction, bringing in Cade York to address their kicking situation. This decision suggests the organization ultimately determined that York represented a better fit for their needs, whether due to performance expectations, financial considerations, or concerns about the potential public reaction to signing Tucker amid his unresolved personal conduct issues. Additionally, reports indicate that the struggling Grupe will be released, confirming the team’s desire for a fresh start at the position as they look to salvage their season.
The Saints’ handling of this situation highlights the complex calculations NFL teams must make when considering talented players with personal conduct concerns. Moore’s comments revealed the delicate balancing act of acknowledging Tucker’s undeniable on-field value while also recognizing the seriousness of the allegations against him. For a team desperately needing improvement in their kicking game, passing on a kicker of Tucker’s caliber suggests either serious concerns about the off-field issues or a belief that York can provide similar performance without the accompanying baggage.
This episode serves as yet another reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in professional sports. Just months ago, Tucker was considered among the NFL’s most reliable specialists and a potential future Hall of Famer. Now, despite his talent, he remains unsigned even as teams like the Saints struggle with kicking inconsistency. Whether Tucker will find another opportunity in the NFL remains uncertain, but this situation demonstrates that even the most accomplished players must navigate the consequences of personal conduct issues, as teams increasingly factor character concerns alongside athletic ability in their personnel decisions.
