Saints evaluate Justin Tucker after Grupe’s low performance
The New Orleans Saints are considering experienced kicker Justin Tucker for a tryout, according to sources close to the team. This decision comes after a series of errors in field goal attempts by the current kicker, Blake Grupe.
Tucker, former kicker for the Baltimore Ravens, is currently without a team and looking for a new opportunity in the NFL. His arrival in New Orleans could signify a significant change in the Saints’ game strategy.
Tucker, who was suspended for 10 weeks of the 2025 season due to violations of the NFL’s personal conduct policy, was eligible for reinstatement on November 11th. This test marks his first opportunity since his suspension ended.
The Ravens released Tucker in May following an investigation into sexual misconduct. The investigation began after it was reported that 16 massage therapists in the Baltimore area accused Tucker of sexual misconduct in incidents that occurred between 2012 and 2016. The player has denied the allegations.
Tucker, 36, arrived at the Ravens in 2012 as an undrafted free agent and played there for 13 seasons. He was a five-time first-team All-Pro and participated in the Pro Bowl seven times. Although he led the league in field goal accuracy in 2021, his success rate decreased to 73.3% in his last season in Baltimore.
The Tucker tryout comes after Saints kicker Blake Grupe missed two attempts on Sunday, bringing his total to eight misses this season. Grupe has made just 69.2% of his field goals this year, the lowest percentage in the league for kickers with at least 20 attempts.
