Chiefs Sign Former Ravens Kicker Justin Tucker to Practice Squad

The Kansas City Chiefs have signed veteran kicker Justin Tucker to their practice squad, bringing a five-time All-Pro back into the NFL after he spent the 2025 season away from the field.

Sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and ESPN's Adam Schefter that Kansas City has added Tucker, who turns 37 next month. He has not played in an NFL game since the 2024 season and could provide the Chiefs with additional options at kicker as they evaluate their special-teams situation.

The move comes amid concerns about the recent performance of Harrison Butker, Kansas City's longtime starting kicker.

Tucker Returns After a Season Away

Tucker did not play during the 2025 season while serving a 10-game suspension for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy.

His absence followed a series of sexual misconduct allegations reported by The Baltimore Banner. According to the publication, 16 massage therapists from eight high-end spas and wellness centers in the Baltimore area accused Tucker of misconduct. The alleged incidents reportedly occurred between 2012 and 2016, during the early years of his career with the Baltimore Ravens.

The allegations were followed by Tucker's departure from Baltimore in May 2025, ending a 13-year tenure with the franchise. The allegations should be distinguished from any findings of legal liability.

Despite the controversy and his extended absence from NFL action, Tucker's previous accomplishments make him a recognizable name in the league. He earned seven Pro Bowl selections during his time in Baltimore and was part of the Ravens team that won Super Bowl XLVII during his rookie season.

Chiefs Look for Insurance Behind Harrison Butker

Kansas City's decision to bring Tucker aboard comes as Butker faces an uncharacteristically difficult stretch.

The veteran kicker has made 11 of 16 field-goal attempts this season, missing five kicks. Two of those misses came in Sunday's loss to the Seattle Seahawks, adding to the scrutiny surrounding his recent performance.

Butker has been a key part of Kansas City's success over the years, contributing to all three of the franchise's Super Bowl championship teams during his tenure. However, the latest struggles have created a reason for the coaching staff to explore additional options.

Tucker's arrival gives the Chiefs another experienced kicker to evaluate without immediately requiring a change to their active roster.

Signing him to the practice squad does not, by itself, mean that he will replace Butker on game day. Kansas City can assess Tucker's current form, conditioning and ability to return to competitive football before deciding whether to make a further move.

Can Tucker Reclaim His Previous Form?

Before his extended absence, Tucker had established himself as one of the NFL's most accomplished kickers. His accuracy, range and experience made him a dependable option for Baltimore over more than a decade.

However, returning after a full season away from the field presents its own challenges. Tucker will need to demonstrate that he can perform at the required level, while the Chiefs must determine whether his addition provides a meaningful improvement to their kicking situation.

For Kansas City, the signing creates competition and insurance at a position where missed field goals can have a direct impact on close games.

Butker's track record remains significant, and the Chiefs will have to weigh his previous contributions against his current performance when evaluating their options.

What Tucker's Signing Means for Kansas City

The Chiefs have added an experienced kicker at a time when their special-teams unit is under increased attention. Tucker's presence gives the organization another option, but his practice-squad status means that his immediate role remains limited unless Kansas City makes a subsequent roster move.

The signing also places Tucker back in the NFL spotlight following a season dominated by his suspension and the allegations that preceded his departure from Baltimore.

For now, the central question is whether he can regain the form that made him one of the league's most successful kickers—and whether the Chiefs believe he can offer a more reliable alternative as they move forward.