In a move that could signal a major shift, the Baltimore Ravens have officially signed a new kicker to a four-year contract after selecting him in last week’s NFL Draft. This development comes amid serious allegations against longtime kicker Justin Tucker, casting doubt on his future with the team.
Though Tucker remains on the roster for now, the Ravens are holding off on any final decisions as the NFL continues investigating claims made by 16 massage therapists in the Baltimore area. If the league’s inquiry leads to disciplinary action, Tucker’s time with the Ravens—and possibly his NFL career—could come to an end.
The team’s newly signed rookie kicker is Tyler Loop, whose addition suggests the franchise is preparing for a future without Tucker.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, speaking at the league’s annual owners meetings, confirmed the investigation is ongoing but declined to offer specifics.
“We won’t be providing updates during the process, but when there’s something to report, we’ll make it known,” Goodell stated.
The allegations against Tucker represent the most high-profile sexual misconduct case the NFL has faced since the Deshaun Watson controversy, in which the quarterback was suspended 11 games and fined $5 million after being accused by over 20 women.
In light of recent events, some fans and commentators have proposed restricting athletes to using massage therapists employed directly by their teams, a step aimed at preventing misconduct and improving oversight. However, Goodell said there are no current plans to enforce such a rule across the league.
Tucker, widely considered one of the best kickers in NFL history, has denied all allegations. In a statement to OutKick, he said, “I maintain I did not act inappropriately at any point during any professional bodywork session, and I have never been informed that I was unwelcome by any massage therapist.”
