The NFL’s investigation into Justin Tucker‘s alleged sexual misconduct is ongoing. As the Ravens await its findings, they have another kicker in the fold. 
The possibility loomed throughout the pre-draft process that Baltimore would draft a kicker for the first time in franchise history. That proved to be the case with Arizona’s Tyler Loop coming off the board in the sixth round. Now, he and Tucker are in position to compete with one another during training camp. That could change in the wake of the NFL’s investigation coming to an end, but it remains to be seen when that will be the case.
“I think that right now they’re both on the roster,” general manager Eric DeCosta said of Tucker and Loop when speaking to the media after the draft (via ESPN’s Jamison Hensley). “It was a situation for us where we’re just trying to find the best football players, so we’re excited to see what [Loop] can do. He’ll be here… [and we will] get a chance to see his leg and that will help us address what our decision-making is going to be moving forward.”
Tucker has been accused of inappropriate conduct during message sessions by a total of 16 Baltimore-area therapists. The 35-year-old has denied any wrongdoing on two occasions, but his future with the Ravens was already a talking point during the 2024 campaign based on his play. Tucker’s 73.3% accuracy rate on field goals was by far the worst of his 13-year career. A strong return to form took place toward the end of the campaign and through the playoffs after a mid-season slump, but there is an argument to be made a change at the position is in order based strictly on football reasons.
DeCosta noted in his post-draft press conference there is no timetable in place for the league’s investigation to conclude. Amidst the uncertainty surrounding Tucker’s situation, head coach John Harbaugh noted (via Hensley) the seven-time Pro Bowler was informed by the team a kicker could be drafted this spring. Especially now that Loop is in place, a Tucker release could very well be something to watch for.
Three years remain on the five-time All-Pro’s contract, with scheduled salaries ranging from $4.2MM to $5.15MM during that span. None of Tucker’s outstanding base salaries are guaranteed, though, and cutting him after June 1 would free up funds for Baltimore. Proceeding with a release past that date would generate $4.2MM in cap savings while incurring a dead money charge of $2.87MM.
Loop’s field goal percentage declined each season in college, but his leg strength – illustrated by a school-record 62-yarder in 2024 – made him a target for the Ravens. Harbaugh reiterated on Sunday (video link via Hensley) the commitment to retaining Tucker or replacing him with Loop will be be a football matter. That remains the case for now, but as Harbaugh noted the NFL has not informed the team about any developments in its investigation. Until that probe is closed, Baltimore’s kicker situation will be unclear.