Justin Tucker's Suspension Ends: Where Will the Kicker Land?

After serving a 10-game suspension, Justin Tucker is officially eligible to return to the NFL this week. The former Baltimore Ravens kicker was hit with the suspension back in June for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy. While the specific details remain private, Tucker was accused of inappropriate behavior by several massage therapists in the Baltimore area, prompting the league's investigation and subsequent disciplinary action.

The 35-year-old kicker, who spent the first 11 seasons of his career in Baltimore, was reinstated by the league on November 11, 2025. This means he's now allowed to sign with any team that might want to bring in the former All-Pro kicker, who was once considered the most reliable kicker in NFL history.

Justin Tucker's Impressive Career

During his tenure with the Ravens, Tucker established himself as one of the greatest kickers in NFL history. He was voted to the Pro Bowl seven times while earning five All-Pro nods. In 2021, he set the NFL record for the longest field goal with a 66-yard kick, a record he held for four years until Cam Little topped it with an 68-yard kick in Week 9 of the 2025 season.

Currently, Tucker stands as the fourth-most accurate kicker in NFL history with an accuracy rate of 89.1%. However, he struggled during his final season with the Ravens, hitting just 73.3% of his kicks, with most of those misses coming from long range (6 of 11 from 50 yards or longer). This decline in performance, combined with the suspension, led to his release by the Ravens in May.

Potential Landing Spots for Tucker

Several NFL teams are reportedly interested in signing the veteran kicker. Let's take a closer look at the most likely destinations:

1. Los Angeles Rams

There is no team that needs Justin Tucker more than the Los Angeles Rams. Joshua Karty started the season as their kicker but lost his job after hitting just 66.7% of his field goal attempts. His struggles were particularly evident on shorter kicks, where he converted only 63.6% of his attempts from inside 45 yards.

The Rams recently signed Harrison Mevis, but he remains unproven as he has yet to attempt a field goal in a regular-season game. For a Super Bowl-contending team, Tucker would provide immediate stability and a chance to kick indoors at home, a first in his career.

2. Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons' kicking situation has been a revolving door this season. They've already gone through three kickers: Younghoe Koo, John Parker Romo, and now Zane Gonzalez. After Koo's crucial miss in Week 1, the team brought in Romo, who had a hot start but cooled off significantly before being cut.

Currently, Gonzalez is handling the kicking duties, but with inconsistent performance in the past, he's unlikely to be the long-term answer. The Falcons' desperation for a reliable kicker makes them a strong candidate to pursue Tucker.

3. Green Bay Packers

The Packers currently have Brandon McManus as their kicker, but his performance has been far from reliable this season. With an accuracy rate of just 64.7%, McManus has struggled with misses from both short and long distances. The team signed him to a three-year, $15.3 million contract in March based on his strong 2024 season (95.2% accuracy), but he hasn't come close to replicating that performance.

When McManus was sidelined with a quad injury, backup Lucas Havrisik stepped in and impressed, going 4 for 4, including a franchise record 61-yard field goal. The Packers might see Tucker as a more proven option to provide stability at a crucial position.

4. New England Patriots

While not mentioned in the original article, the Patriots could also be a potential landing spot. They've had issues with their kicking game, and with Tucker's experience and accuracy, he could provide a significant upgrade to their special teams.

The Road Ahead for Tucker

Regardless of where he lands, Tucker faces an uphill battle to reclaim his status as one of the league's elite kickers. At 35 years old, he's not getting any younger, and his recent struggles suggest he may no longer be the dominant force he once was. However, his track record and experience give him a significant advantage over most available kickers.

A change of scenery could be exactly what Tucker needs to rediscover his form. If he can return to his previous level of excellence, whichever team signs him will be getting a proven commodity who has already proven he can deliver in clutch situations throughout his career.

The coming weeks will be crucial for Tucker as he looks to make his return to the NFL. With the trade deadline approaching and several teams in need of kicking help, it wouldn't be surprising to see him land with a contender looking for that extra edge in the postseason race.