For over a decade, the Baltimore Ravens never had to worry about the kicking game. When No. 9 trotted onto the field, fans felt a unique sense of calm, a quiet confidence that points were on the board. Justin Tucker—often called “the most accurate kicker in NFL history”—was as automatic as they come. Game-winner after game-winner, booming 60-yard field goals, postseason heroics—Tucker defined the modern NFL kicker.
HBAgency
HBAgency
But as all great careers do, even Tucker’s time with the Ravens is nearing its inevitable conclusion. At 35 years old, Tucker has not shown dramatic decline, but General Manager Eric DeCosta knows the franchise must prepare for the future. And in a rare, candid interview at the Ravens’ practice facility in Owings Mills, DeCosta laid bare the challenge of eventually replacing a living legend.
HBAgency
HBAgency
“It’s Not Just Replacing a Kicker—It’s Replacing a Culture”
“When people talk about Justin, they always start with the stats,” DeCosta said, leaning back in his office chair. “But what we’ll have to replace one day is more than just a guy who can hit a 55-yarder. It’s the mindset he brings, the way he trains, the way younger players follow his lead.”
Tucker, an undrafted free agent in 2012, quickly earned the trust of Hall of Fame GM Ozzie Newsome and head coach John Harbaugh. Since then, he’s redefined what a kicker can be—an elite athlete, a charismatic leader, and a game-changer. As DeCosta put it, “There’s never been a kicker who felt more like a franchise player.”
The numbers back it up. Tucker holds the NFL record for field goal percentage among kickers with over 100 attempts, has made six Pro Bowls, and delivered the longest field goal in league history—a 66-yarder in 2021 to beat the Lions. His track record has made him both indispensable and irreplaceable. But, DeCosta noted, “that day is going to come.”
Preparing the Unthinkable: Life After Tucker
For the Ravens front office, the process of scouting kickers has never really stopped—even with Tucker as the incumbent. Special Teams Coordinator Chris Horton, along with DeCosta and the scouting department, keeps a short list of college prospects and veteran kickers they’ve quietly monitored for years.
“We scout kickers just like we scout quarterbacks,” DeCosta explained. “It’s a smaller pool, and most fans don’t see the competition. But believe me, we know who the top three kickers are in every draft. We evaluate mechanics, mental toughness, situational awareness—everything.”
When asked if they had a specific replacement in mind already, DeCosta offered a tight smile.
“We always have a plan,” he said. “Whether that plan becomes necessary this year, next year, or five years from now—we’re ready.”
The 2025 Draft and a Subtle Shift in Priorities
This year, with the 2025 NFL Draft approaching, there’s been chatter that the Ravens may use one of their late-round picks on a specialist. It wouldn’t be the first time—teams like the Bengals and 49ers have spent draft capital on kickers and punters in recent years, recognizing the value of elite special teams play.
“We wouldn’t shy away from drafting a kicker,” DeCosta admitted. “It has to be the right guy, someone we feel can handle not just the physical pressure, but the legacy he’s walking into. You don’t replace Justin Tucker with just anyone.”
Sources inside the organization say the Ravens have worked out at least three kickers during private sessions this spring, including former Texas standout Will Stone and Michigan’s James Turner, both known for strong legs and consistency. DeCosta refused to confirm names but acknowledged the team had “done its homework.”
Justin Tucker’s Role in Mentoring the Next Man Up
While Tucker remains the starter for the foreseeable future, he’s not blind to the reality of succession planning. In fact, he’s embraced the role of mentor to younger kickers brought in during training camp.
“Justin knows this game is about competition,” DeCosta said. “He’s always been willing to share insights, help a young guy improve his technique or mindset. That’s who he is.”
Last preseason, the Ravens briefly signed Jake Verity, a young kicker out of East Carolina. While he never truly threatened Tucker’s job, Verity credited Tucker with helping him “understand the mental side of kicking at the NFL level.”
DeCosta believes Tucker’s presence can actually ease the transition for the next kicker: “It’s like sitting behind Tom Brady—you don’t just learn how to kick; you learn how to be a pro.”
Fans’ Emotional Attachment: “This One Will Hurt”
Perhaps the biggest challenge the front office faces isn’t just replacing Tucker on the field—it’s replacing him in the hearts of Ravens fans.
“You’re talking about one of the most beloved players in franchise history,” DeCosta said. “This isn’t just a guy who makes kicks. He’s the opera-singing, game-winning, meme-inspiring heartbeat of our team.”
Indeed, Tucker’s charisma has made him more than just a football player. From performing opera in full pads to going viral for mic’d-up moments, he’s a cultural icon in Baltimore. DeCosta understands the emotional weight involved in his eventual departure.
“This one will hurt,” he admitted. “Fans will take this personally. Hell, I’ll take it personally. But we owe it to the team and to Justin to be prepared for whenever that time comes.”