Dec 21, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens place kicker Justin Tucker (9) warms up in the end zone before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
The Kansas City Chiefs have signed one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history, Justin Tucker, to their practice squad. The move provides the reigning champions with a veteran depth option as their current starter, Harrison Butker, navigates a historically challenging start to the season.
The signing was first reported by the Kansas City Star and subsequently confirmed by multiple sports outlets on Wednesday.
Tucker, a five-time All-Pro, was released by the Baltimore Ravens in May 2025. His departure from Baltimore came amid a decline in on-field performance and allegations of sexual misconduct leveled against him by 16 massage therapists in the Baltimore area. The accusers alleged the incidents occurred during the 2010s, early in Tucker’s professional career, though he denied the claims.
Following a league investigation, the NFL suspended Tucker for 10 games for violating the personal conduct policy. He served that suspension during the previous season and is cleared to participate in games immediately upon activation.
Ravens General Manager Eric DeCosta released a statement at the time of Tucker’s departure, saying, “Justin created many significant and unforgettable moments in Ravens history. His reliability, focus, drive, resilience and extraordinary talent made him one of the league’s best kickers for over a decade. We are grateful for Justin’s many contributions while playing for the Ravens. We sincerely wish him and his family the very best in this next chapter of their lives.”
Tucker stands as the second-most accurate kicker in NFL history, having converted 417 of 468 field goal attempts (89.1%) over 13 seasons. He is also remembered for his rookie campaign in 2022, where he hit a dramatic 47-yard field goal in double overtime to secure a 38-35 divisional round playoff victory over the Denver Broncos, famously dubbed the “Mile High Miracle.”
In contrast, Harrison Butker has been the Chiefs’ primary kicker since 2017 and ranks fifth all-time in career field-goal accuracy at 87.3% (262 of 300). However, Butker has experienced notable struggles this season, making just 68.8% of his attempts (11 of 16) and only 5 of 10 from 40 yards or longer.
During a recent 20-3 defeat at the hands of the Seattle Seahawks, Butker missed field goals from 58 and 45 yards, while successfully connecting on a 50-yard attempt.
Tucker, who turns 37 in November, endured the worst statistical year of his career in 2024, converting 73.3% of his field goal tries (22 of 30) and going 11 of 19 on kicks of 40 yards or more. His experience and track record of high-level performance under pressure make him a valuable asset for the Chiefs’ special teams unit as they look to stabilize their kicking game.