Up until NFL examination ends, Justin Tucker might have a challenging
The Ravens have actually launched kicker Justin Tucker. Once the transaction ends up being official (probably today), Tucker will end up being a totally free agent.In theory
, he’ll have the ability to sign immediately with any group. As a practical matter, any interested group will likely wait.The NFL’s
investigation concerning the allegations made against Tucker (he rejects them all) will continue. He might eventually be suspended. It’s sensible to presume that groups will await the decision to be made– and the suspension, if any, to be served– before using him a lineup spot.Beyond the potential P.R. impact of bringing a kicker who doesn’t kick as well as he when did to town, Tucker’s next group won’t understand when it will be able to utilize him till the suspension, if any, is served.If that’s how it
plays out, it becomes essential for Tucker to get this behind him as soon as he can. If it lingers into the 2025 season, he’ll be basically suspended. That could make a negotiated outcome more attractive to him, with Tucker’s representatives and the league reaching a contract on a number of games.
The 2020 CBA changed the landscape concerning Individual Conduct Policy cases. Now, a 3rd party performs a hearing and makes findings of truth that can not be appealed. There’s threat for both sides. Judge Sue L. Robinson (who managed the Deshaun Watson case in 2022) might discover that the evidence shows wrongdoing by Tucker. She likewise could discover that the evidence falls short of proving that he did anything.Still, if it sticks around, Tucker loses. He needs to get this dealt with by Week 1, if his goal is to wind up with a brand-new team as quickly as possible.It’s still possible for a new team to choose to offer him a shot, understanding that if/when he’s suspended, another kicker will be required. Still, few teams will wish to embrace the examination that would support welcoming Tucker to town under the cloud of unsettled accusations including misconduct throughout massage-therapy sessions.
Particularly because the supply of skilled kickers always surpasses the need– and considering that Tucker wasn’t in 2024 the kicker he utilized to be.