Justin Tucker Won’t Join the Saints After Tryout

Former Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker has decided not to sign with the New Orleans Saints after trying out for the team. This follows a lengthy 10-week suspension resulting from a violation of the league’s personal conduct policy.

During the Saints’ recent 24-10 defeat to the Atlanta Falcons, kicker Blake Grupe struggled, missing two field goals from within 50 yards. Specifically, he failed to convert attempts from 38 and 47 yards. So far this season, he has missed eight field goals, which pushed the Saints to look for alternatives outside their current roster.

Tucker’s tryout took place on Monday, and Saints head coach Kellen Moore commented on the situation, referring to Tucker’s off-field troubles as “unfortunate.” Moore acknowledged Tucker’s impressive track record, noting that he’s been a reliable player in the league for a long while and has served as a leader during his tenure with Baltimore.

Despite Moore’s praise for Tucker, reports indicated that the Saints are moving towards signing Cade York instead, while Grupe is also expected to be released. Tucker was let go by the Ravens earlier this offseason after 13 years with the team, following allegations of inappropriate conduct made by a massage therapist—charges that Tucker firmly denies.

There are certainly a lot of decisions being made here, and some might see the irony in how a team is moving on from a veteran kicker like Tucker while addressing ongoing issues with their current one. I mean, it’s always a bit of a gamble, right? Finding the right fit under such circumstances can be tricky and perhaps there’s just a sense of cautious optimism around York now.