Ravens Seek Replacement for Justin Tucker: John Hoyland Signs with the Team
The Baltimore Ravens, after releasing seven-time Pro Bowl kicker Justin Tucker, have brought in competition for his replacement.
On Monday, the Ravens signed Wyoming undrafted rookie John Hoyland after a tryout last week. Hoyland will compete with sixth-round pick Tyler Loop for Baltimore’s kicking job this season.
The Ravens released Tucker on May 5, arguing that it was a football-related decision. Tucker is being investigated by the NFL after 16 massage therapists from high-end spas and wellness centers accused him of inappropriate behavior.
Hoyland only missed twice in 54 career attempts from inside 40 yards. Last season, three of his four misses were from 50 yards or more.
Hoyland seeks to follow in the footsteps of Tucker, who was not drafted in 2012, was signed after a tryout, and then won the Baltimore kicking job. Tucker became the most accurate kicker in NFL history (89.1%).
Hoyland will have to outperform Loop, who is the first punter to be drafted by the Ravens. Loop converted 6 of 9 attempts from over 50 yards in his college career at Arizona, including a 62-yard attempt last season.
Both kickers, I thought, looked really good today. So we got them out there behind the line with the snap and everything, and I think they made them all, didn’t they? So it’s good to see. It’s a good start that way.
Harbaugh
By dispensing with Tucker, the Ravens will rely on a new kicker for the first time in 14 years.
