The Justin Tucker Contract: Three Big Things

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Nov 1, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker (9) hugs long snapper Morgan Cox (46) after beating the San Diego Chargers 29-26 at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker (9) hugs long snapper Morgan Cox (46) after beating the San Diego Chargers 29-26 at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /

The Ravens signed Justin Tucker to a 4 Year $16.8 million contract. Here are three big things to think about.

Baltimore took a sigh of relief when the Ravens signed Justin Tucker to a long-term contract. The Ravens went right up to the deadline to make a deal with franchise players. Tucker is the second most accurate kicker in NFL history and now he gets more guaranteed money than any kicker in history. The Tucker contract is very similar to Stephen Gostkowski’s $17.2 million deal with the New England Patriots. The only real difference is that Tucker makes $10.8 million in guaranteed money while Gostkowski makes $10.2 million in guaranteed money.

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Tucker got the going rate for an elite kicker. It was a rare example of a player getting top dollar without really hurting the team financially. The Ravens knew they had to work out this kind of contract at some point. Now it is done and does not loom over the Ravens head. The Ravens could always use the franchise tag next season. While Tucker’s vow not to re-sign with the Ravens was clearly a bargaining tactic, the Ravens could not afford to damage their relationship with Tucker.

Let’s take a look at three angles of this story, that say a lot. These are three big things that have to be thought about. As late as it was in the offseason, this move was a big one by the Ravens.

Next: The Ravens Did It Again