For the first time since his 10-game suspension for violating the league’s personal conduct policy, Justin Tucker, the veteran placekicker, will have a tryout with the New Orleans Saints. The tryout follows a recent setback in his performance, as Blake Grupe missed two of his three field-goal attempts in a loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, prompting the Saints to consider alternative options for their placekicking position.
Saints head coach Kellen Moore spoke about Tucker’s tryout, emphasizing his leadership and the impact of his suspension. ‘He’s been one of their leaders for an extended period of time on a very successful team,’ Moore said. He acknowledged the challenges Tucker has faced, including a suspension that was a result of alleged sexual misconduct, and noted that the experience has shaped his perspective.
Tucker, who has been with the Ravens since 2011, was a key player over 13 seasons, with seven Pro Bowl selections, five All-Pro honors, and a Super Bowl victory. However, his off-the-field issues led the Ravens to move on from him, despite his strong on-field performance in 2024, where he made 22 of his 30 field-goal attempts and missed only two of his 62 extra-point attempts. His wife, Amanda, has publicly supported him, stating that the false allegations have caused significant hurt to their family but that she believes in her husband and supports him fully.
The Saints are also reportedly considering Cade York as a potential candidate for the placekicker position. Moore’s comments reflect the team’s interest in evaluating Tucker’s readiness to return to the field, despite the recent suspension and the controversies surrounding his personal conduct. The situation highlights the delicate balance between athletic performance and off-field conduct within the NFL, as teams navigate the complexities of player evaluations and public perception.