The Green Bay Packers, Atlanta Falcons, and Los Angeles Rams are all navigating significant challenges in their kicking game this season. Each team is currently experiencing difficulties with their kickers, making them potential landing spots for a change.
In Green Bay, Brandon McManus has struggled with injuries and has managed a disappointing 64.7% success rate on field goals. The Rams have also faced inconsistency, recently moving from Joshua Karty to Harrison Mevis after Karty missed five field goals. Meanwhile, the Falcons began the season with Younghoe Koo but cut him loose after he faced issues in 2024, leading to struggles from his replacement, John Parker Romo, and the current effort from Zane Gonzalez.
With these kicker problems in mind, CBS Sports’ John Breech suggests that these teams could consider signing former Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker. Tucker was released in May and subsequently received a 10-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy after facing accusations from massage therapists. This situation may render him a controversial option for many teams, given that signing the seven-time Pro Bowler could lead to substantial media scrutiny.
Despite Tucker’s impressive credentials, including being an eight-time All-Pro, his performance has declined, as he recorded a 73.3% field goal success rate in 2024 before his release. Given the combination of his suspension and performance drop, it seems unlikely that he will secure another opportunity in the NFL.
As these teams search for reliable kickers to bolster their rosters, the potential addition of Tucker remains a contentious topic, highlighting the delicate balance between talent and the associated off-field issues surrounding a player.