The Kansas City Chiefs have made a significant move to address their special teams performance by choosing to sign Justin Tucker to their practice squad. This decision follows a period of uncharacteristic struggles for incumbent kicker Harrison Butker, who has faced mounting difficulties with accuracy throughout the current season. While Butker remains the primary kicker for the roster at this moment, the addition of a veteran with Tucker’s pedigree suggests the organization is preparing for all possibilities.
The Decision to Bring in a Veteran Kicker
The Chiefs' front office conducted workouts for three different kickers this week to evaluate potential additions to the roster. Among those who participated was former Los Angeles Rams kicker Harrison Mevis, but the team ultimately decided to go with Justin Tucker. The move was first reported by the Kansas City Star and later confirmed by Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports.
Tucker, who is 36 years old, has been a free agent since being released by the Baltimore Ravens in May 2025. Before landing with Kansas City, he had worked out for several other NFL franchises, including the New York Jets, New Orleans Saints, and Indianapolis Colts, though none of those visits resulted in a contract until now.
Harrison Butker Stats and Recent Performance
The urgency for a roster move became apparent after the Chiefs' Week 7 performance against the Seattle Seahawks. In a 20-3 loss, Butker missed two critical field goals: a 58-yard attempt as the first half concluded and a 45-yard attempt during the fourth quarter. These misses are part of a larger trend this season where Butker has failed to convert six total kicks, including one extra point.
Analyzing the Harrison Butker stats for the year shows a stark contrast between his short-range and long-range reliability. Inside 50 yards, he remains efficient, connecting on 9-of-10 attempts. However, his struggles from further out have forced the Chiefs to leave points on the board during tight contests.
Following the game against Seattle, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid addressed the situation regarding his veteran kicker. "He's been one of the most consistent kickers in football," Reid noted. "He's off a bit, so gotta fix it."
Justin Tucker Career Field Goal Percentage and Records
By signing Tucker, the Chiefs are bringing in one of the most decorated specialists in the history of the league. Over his career, Justin Tucker has maintained a career field goal percentage of 89.1%. His 417 successful field goals currently place him 14th on the all-time NFL list.
Tucker's resume includes several prestigious milestones and records:
* Super Bowl XLVII champion with the Baltimore Ravens.
* Eight-time All-Pro selection.
* Seven-time Pro Bowler.
* Fastest kicker in NFL history to reach 300 career field goals.
* Fastest kicker to record 1,000 career points.
While Tucker previously held the NFL record for the longest field goal with a 66-yard conversion, that mark was recently surpassed by Jacksonville Jaguars kicker Cam Little, who recorded successful kicks of 67 and 68 yards. Tucker last appeared in a game on January 19, 2025, for the Ravens.
Why Did Ravens Release Justin Tucker?
Despite his legendary status on the field, Tucker’s departure from Baltimore was preceded by a series of serious off-field issues. In January 2025, The Baltimore Banner reported that six women had accused the kicker of engaging in sexually inappropriate misconduct at various spas in the Baltimore area.
As the investigation continued, the number of accusers grew to 16 women across eight different spa locations. The allegations included claims that Tucker exposed himself and touched therapists inappropriately during sessions. These events led to a 10-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy. Following the conclusion of the investigation and the emergence of these details, the Ravens released him in May 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Chiefs sign Justin Tucker to the practice squad?
The Chiefs signed Tucker to provide veteran depth and competition following a series of missed kicks by Harrison Butker, who has missed six total attempts this season.
What are the Justin Tucker sexual misconduct allegations?
Tucker was accused by 16 women at eight different Baltimore-area spas of inappropriate behavior, including exposing his genitals and touching therapists inappropriately.
How long was Justin Tucker suspended by the NFL?
He served a 10-game suspension during the 2025 season for violating the league's personal conduct policy following the reports of misconduct in Baltimore.