Baltimore Ravens release Justin Tucker amid sexual misconduct allegations; NFL’s top kicker faces career uncertainty

The Baltimore Ravens have officially released Justin Tucker, widely regarded as the best kicker in NFL history, amid an ongoing investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct. This unexpected move has sent shockwaves through the league and among fans, dramatically reshaping the Ravens’ roster as they prepare for the new season. While head coach John Harbaugh insists the decision was purely based on football reasons, the timing and surrounding circumstances suggest a far more complicated situation behind the scenes.Justin Tucker’s release marks one of the most surprising roster moves in recent NFL history. Known for his unparalleled accuracy and clutch kicks, Tucker has been a cornerstone of Baltimore’s success for years. However, with multiple sexual misconduct allegations now under investigation by the NFL, the Ravens opted to part ways with their veteran kicker.During Organized Team Activities (OTAs), head coach John Harbaugh described the situation as “complicated” but framed the move as a necessary football decision to prepare the team for the upcoming season. “And like we said, it's multi-layered [and] it's complicated. But in the end, it all comes back to what you have to do to get ready for your team to play the first game,” Harbaugh said, emphasizing the multi-layered nature of the decision.Tucker’s on-field performance had slipped in 2024, his worst professional season to date, but it was the emerging off-field issues that appeared to accelerate Baltimore’s decision. The team’s recent selection of rookie kicker Tyler Loop in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, along with the signing of undrafted free agent John Hoyland, signaled a clear shift toward rebuilding the kicker position.Also Read: Stefon Diggs viral boat video controversy triggers major backlash, deeply impacting New England Patriots’ reputationDespite the controversy, Tucker has denied all allegations. The Ravens’ move highlights the difficult balance NFL teams must strike between managing legal challenges and maintaining competitive focus. With the kicking competition now wide open, Baltimore is set for a season of uncertainty but the impact of this decision will reverberate both on and off the field for months to come.