The New Orleans Saints recently hosted former Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker for a tryout, signaling a notable development in the team's offseason search for a reliable special teams weapon. This move combines the team's urgent need to stabilize the kicker position with a willingness to evaluate a player of exceptional talent despite off-field challenges.
Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis and Head Coach Kellen Moore are leading the evaluation process as the franchise weighs the potential talent boost Tucker could provide against lingering concerns that have kept Tucker out of the league.
Justin Tucker's Legacy and Controversy
Justin Tucker, once widely regarded as the most accurate and dominant kicker in NFL history, spent his entire career with the Baltimore Ravens before his 2025 release. Over his storied career, Tucker earned six First-Team All-Pro honors and holds the NFL record for the longest field goal at 66 yards. Up until his release, his career field goal percentage hovered near 90%, making him one of the most dependable scorers in football.
However, Tucker's career trajectory changed abruptly when he was suspended for 10 games during the 2025 season due to allegations of misconduct. While specific details about the allegations have not been fully disclosed publicly, they were serious enough for the Ravens to sever ties with their franchise kicker. This unprecedented move sent shockwaves through the league and left Tucker searching for a pathway back into the NFL.
At 36 years old as the 2026 season approaches, Tucker's on-field abilities remain under scrutiny alongside the off-field questions. The Saints' tryout represents the first clear sign that at least one NFL team is willing to assess Tucker's potential to contribute again in a professional capacity.
The Saints' Kicker Situation
The Saints have struggled to find consistent production at kicker since the Wil Lutz era ended. Their rotating cast of veterans and younger players has yet to produce the stability crucial for close games, especially in a division where margins often come down to field goals.
Blake Grupe, the most recent Saints kicker, faltered in a key Week 17 loss, missing two field goals that contributed to a Saints defeat in late 2025. This inconsistency likely contributed to the team's decision to bring in multiple kickers, including Tucker and rookie Cade York, for tryouts during the offseason.
Having a kicker with Tucker's range and accuracy would be an immense asset for a Saints offense featuring explosive plays but occasional scoring droughts. Reliability from the kicker position can convert stalled drives into points, thereby directly influencing the outcome of tight games.
What the Tryout Involves
An NFL kicker tryout goes beyond evaluating leg strength and accuracy. The special teams coaching staff assessed Tucker's consistency from a variety of distances, his kickoff hang time, and how well he coordinated with the Saints' long snapper and holder. But the evaluation also included extensive interviews with Tucker, focusing on his current mindset, accountability, and readiness to rejoin a tightly knit locker room culture.
Head Coach Kellen Moore has publicly confirmed the tryout and emphasized the importance of character and professionalism in addition to on-field skills. The Saints' front office wants to be assured that Tucker has grown from previous mistakes and can contribute positively both on and off the field.
The Road Forward for Both Parties
It's important to note that a tryout does not guarantee a contract. The Saints are carefully weighing their options and considering whether Tucker's talent outweighs the risks associated with his recent suspension and departure from Baltimore.
Should the Saints decide to sign Tucker, it would likely be a veteran-minimum deal with performance incentives and strict behavioral clauses. Any signing would be closely monitored by the media and fans, with heightened scrutiny on both Tucker's performance and conduct.
For Tucker, this tryout is an opportunity to reboot his career and prove he remains one of the NFL's premier kickers. Success in New Orleans could not only secure him a roster spot but potentially reopen doors for other teams needing kicking help.
Conclusion
The New Orleans Saints' decision to bring in Justin Tucker for a tryout symbolizes a balancing act between exceptional talent and complicated baggage. With Mickey Loomis and Kellen Moore steering the evaluation, the Saints are leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of both competitiveness and locker room integrity.
Whether or not Tucker ultimately earns a contract, the tryout is one of the more compelling stories of the 2026 offseason -- a testament to the ongoing challenges NFL teams face in weighing character concerns against on-field excellence. For now, the kicker carousel continues to turn in New Orleans, and Tucker's potential return remains a captivating subplot as the team prepares for the new season.