The Baltimore Ravens held their end-of-the-season presser with general manager Eric DeCosta and head coach John Harbaugh. The two discussed their disappointment with the way their season ended in Buffalo, plans to add another safety to the mix, updates on the Eddie Jackson, Diontae Johnson, and Marcus Williams situations, their pride in Rashod Bateman, and their intentions to extend Kyle Hamilton, Tyler Linderbaum, and Derrick Henry.
However, a notable topic DeCosta touched on was Justin Tucker.
Tucker is coming off the worst season of his career after missing 8 field goals (73.3%) and combined with his age (he'll be 36-years old in November), some wonder whether the Ravens will look to potentially move off of maybe the greatest kicker the NFL has ever seen. When asked about Tucker and the possibility of bringing in competition, DeCosta said:
"We'll have those discussions; I have every expectation that Justin is going to be a great kicker for us next year and going forward. He finished strong this year."
Tucker did finish the season strong, going a perfect 5-for-5 in his last six games, including two clutch kicks in Buffalo’s freezing temperatures on Sunday. However, while it seems like DeCosta and the Ravens expect Tucker to remain their kicker next season, the mention of “discussions” about competition leaves room for doubt. It doesn’t sound like they’re entirely convinced Tucker has fully moved past his struggles, despite his late-season resurgence.
DeCosta’s comments not completely ruling out signing a kicker raise the question: Who could they bring in as competition? After all, no matter how good they are, few kickers in the NFL today can match Tucker’s career. Here are a few names DeCosta could consider this offseason:
Brandon McManus
McManus has been a reliable kicker throughout his career, boasting a career field goal percentage of 82.2%. In 2024, he missed just one kick (20/21) in 11 games with the Green Bay Packers and even nailed two game-winners. The Packers will likely aim to re-sign him in the offseason, but if he hits the market, he’d be one of the better options available.
Nick Folk
The ageless 40-year-old wonder is still thriving in the NFL. Folk just wrapped up his 17th season, spending 2024 with the Tennessee Titans, where he led the league in field goal percentage (95.5%) for the second consecutive year. He was also a perfect 6-for-6 from 50+ yards. Folk has been Mr. Consistent wherever he’s played, delivering booming kicks with remarkable accuracy. If DeCosta does bring in competition for Tucker, Folk would be an ideal candidate.
Michael Badgley
Badgley is entering his age-30 season and presents an intriguing option. He’s a potential buy-low, high-reward signing after missing the entire 2024 season due to a torn hamstring. Badgley also had limited opportunities in 2023, but his 2022 season was productive, converting 24 of 28 field goals (85.7%). The talent is there, and DeCosta could take a chance if he’s looking for a younger option with upside.
The Ravens find themselves in a tough spot with Tucker. For most kickers, a season like Tucker’s 2024 campaign would likely spell the end of their time with the team. But Justin Tucker is not just any kicker. You don’t give up on Tucker easily—he’s Justin Tucker. He’ll get his fair shot to prove he’s ready for a bounce-back year in 2025. However, if DeCosta is already entertaining the idea of bringing in competition, it’s fair to wonder if the clock might be ticking for the GOAT. It happens to the best of them.