As the NFL season reaches its ten-week mark, the league has officially lifted Justin Tucker’s ten-game suspension. This news opens the door for the seven-time Pro Bowler to sign with any team interested in his renowned kicking abilities. With several franchises recently cycling through kickers, the need for a reliable scorer may see Tucker back in action soon.
Potential Teams to Pursue Tucker
Let’s delve into five teams positioned to consider bringing Tucker on board, especially those that have shown instability in their kicking departments throughout the season.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders recently signed veteran Greg Joseph to their practice squad, a sign that they may be reconsidering All-Pro Daniel Carlson’s position on the team. If Carlson continues to struggle and Joseph fails to demonstrate immediate improvement, the Raiders could be motivated to add a proven talent like Tucker to solidify their scoring capabilities.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers are currently struggling with kicking accuracy, notably with rookie Ryan Fitzgerald, who has converted only 83.3% of his extra-point attempts. While the organization might believe he holds potential for development, bringing in an experienced kicker like Tucker could both enhance the team’s scoring efficiency and provide valuable mentorship for the young Fitzgerald.
New Orleans Saints
Blake Grupe of the New Orleans Saints is not having his best season, currently holding the league’s lowest field goal accuracy at 73.9%. Given their need for consistent scoring, the Saints might want to reassess their kicker situation. With Tucker’s extensive experience and track record, he would be a compelling option to stabilize their kicking game.
Washington Commanders
Although the Washington Commanders aren’t currently in playoff contention, their kicking game has been problematic. Despite being a former Pro Bowler, Matt Gay’s performance this year has been disappointing, with a 73.3% accuracy rate. The Commanders could benefit from exploring new options as they look to rebuild for the future.
Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers, currently one of the few teams eyeing a playoff spot, may see their ambitions hindered by a lackluster kicking game. They possess two kickers, but Brandon McManus’ 64.7% accuracy is troubling. While Lucas Havrisik has shown promise, he lacks experience with only six attempts thus far. If the Packers are serious about enhancing their postseason drive, bringing in a seasoned kicker like Tucker could provide both immediate impact and stability.
Given the dynamics of the current NFL landscape, it is likely that Justin Tucker’s return will attract substantial interest. His unmatched experience and proven track record make him a compelling candidate for any team seeking to refine their special teams. The next few weeks could very well determine where this kicking legend will land.
