A few weeks ago, the Baltimore Ravens separated from their long-time star kicker Justin Tucker. However, the NFL team made this decision anything but easy.
As Head Coach John Harbaugh said in the media discussion at the Otas of the Ravens, the decision was “very complex and complicated”.
“I mean, we’re talking about the best kicker in the history of the game,” said Harbaugh. “And as we said it is complex and complicated. But in the end everything you have to do is to prepare to prepare your team for the first game. And I think when you take a step back and look at all the problems and branches, you can understand that we have to prepare our football team and need a kicker who is ready for use. And that was the step for which we have decided,” the trainer continued.
Justin Tucker was accused of sexual harassment in several cases at the beginning of the year. He himself asserts his innocence, the situation is still very confusing. For the Ravens, this made it difficult to plan, especially since in addition to the possible legal consequences, a lock by the NFL can also be carried out at any time.
“In this sense, it is a football decision and we now have to concentrate fully to make our kickers fit. We have a competition and we have to prepare these boys to meet kicks. So that’s all I think about it. From my point of view it says: ‘We need a kicker that meets’ and what is the best way to achieve that?” Harbaugh explained.
Historical choice in the NFL draft
To replace Tucker, the Baltimore Ravens even sacrificed a draft pick. In the sixth round, Tyler Loop was chosen. For the first time in the history of the franchise, the ravens in the draft selected a kicker.
In addition, John Hoyland was also brought into the team as an Undrafted Free Agent.
The two will fight for the heavy heir from Tucker, who has played with the Ravens since 2012 and became the best kicker in the league. He was in Pro Bowl seven times, and he was elected to the All-Pro five times.