Justin Tucker, a veteran placekicker known for his accuracy and leadership, will have a tryout with the New Orleans Saints after a 10-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy. The Saints’ decision comes following poor performance by Blake Grupe, who missed two of his three field-goal attempts in a recent loss to the Atlanta Falcons. This move marks Tucker’s first opportunity to work out with a new team since his suspension, which was one game less than that of Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, who faced similar allegations in 2022.
Saints head coach Kellen Moore spoke about Tucker’s tryout, expressing admiration for his 13-year NFL career with the Baltimore Ravens. Moore noted that Tucker was a “leader for an extended period of time on a very successful team,” emphasizing his role in the Ravens’ Super Bowl victory and his seven Pro Bowl appearances. However, Moore also acknowledged the “unfortunate” off-field issues that led to Tucker’s suspension and eventual release by the Ravens. Despite these challenges, Moore praised Tucker’s ability to “collect what that experience was,” suggesting the tryout is an opportunity for the kicker to rebuild his career.
Tucker’s suspension followed allegations of sexual misconduct, which he accepted as part of the league’s protocol. Although the Ravens released him due to off-field concerns, his wife, Amanda, has expressed unwavering support for him. She stated that the false allegations have caused significant hurt to their family but reaffirmed her belief in and support for her husband. This personal stance highlights the emotional toll of such allegations on both the individual and their family.
The Saints are not the only team showing interest in Tucker. They are also reportedly considering bringing in Cade York for a tryout, indicating the competition for a reliable kicker in the league. With the NFL season approaching, both teams are looking to strengthen their special teams units, making Tucker and York potential options to bolster their kicking game. This development underscores the challenges faced by athletes dealing with both on-field performance and off-field controversies in the high-profile world of professional sports.