The New Orleans Saints hosted kicker tryouts earlier this week, including veteran Justin Tucker, as they sought to address ongoing special teams struggles. Tucker, a seven-time Pro Bowl selection and one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history, was released by the Baltimore Ravens in May 2025 following a Baltimore Banner investigation.
The report detailed allegations of sexual misconduct from 16 massage therapists at eight Baltimore-area spas, spanning incidents from 2012 to 2016. Tucker has denied the claims, and no criminal charges were filed, as the statute of limitations had expired. The NFL suspended Tucker for the first 10 games of the 2025 season under the personal conduct policy; he was reinstated on November 11 but has not signed with a team since.
Tucker’s 2024 season with Baltimore was his worst, converting 73.3% of field goals (11 of 15), though he holds the league record for longest field goal (66 yards). The Ravens drafted Tyler Loop in 2025, contributing to Tucker’s exit from the organization where he spent 13 seasons.
Saints’ Kicking Crisis Prompts Urgent Tryout
New Orleans, sitting at 2-9 through 11 games, released incumbent kicker Blake Grupe on Tuesday after he converted just 69.2% of his field goals (18 of 26) this season—the lowest rate among kickers with 20+ attempts. Grupe went 1-for-3 in the Saints’ 24-10 loss to Atlanta on November 23, missing from 48 and 50 yards. The move left the team desperate for reliability ahead of Week 13 against the Miami Dolphins.
Head coach Kellen Moore confirmed the tryout process on Monday, noting discussions would cover Tucker’s background: “That’s all part of the visit and the conversations you have to have.”
Decision: Saints Sign Cade York, Pass on Tucker
The Saints ultimately decided against signing Tucker, opting instead to add kicker Cade York to their practice squad. York, 24, a former fourth-round pick (No. 124 overall) by the Cleveland Browns in 2022 out of LSU, has bounced between teams, appearing in 25 games for the Browns, Titans, Giants, Commanders, and Bengals. In 2024, he converted 75% of field goals (66 of 88) across stints, including a career-long 59-yarder for Cincinnati. York is expected to handle kicking duties for the Saints in Sunday’s matchup with Miami, potentially earning a promotion to the active roster.
Tucker is not anticipated to join the Saints for Week 13 or beyond, marking another setback in his bid for an NFL return.
Kellen Moore’s Comments on Tucker and the Process
Moore addressed Tucker’s visit and allegations during Monday’s media session, praising his on-field pedigree while acknowledging the off-field issues: “He’s been a really good kicker in this league for a really long time, and he’s had a ton of success and he was a leader for Baltimore for a long time. He’s been one of their leaders for an extended period of time with a very successful team and so obviously there’s been some stuff that’s been unfortunate. He’s gone through an experience, and I think it’s about collecting what that experience was, and we’ll evaluate the football aspect of it and we’ll evaluate everything else as well.”
The coach emphasized a holistic evaluation, balancing Tucker’s resume against the league’s conduct standards.
Future Implications for Tucker and the Saints
For Tucker, the rejection continues a challenging free-agency period. At 35, his market remains limited due to the suspension and allegations, though his accuracy (89% career field goals) could still appeal to contender needing a clutch leg. Potential landing spots include teams like the Giants or Broncos, per league buzz.
The Saints, meanwhile, hope York stabilizes the position. As an LSU product, he carries local ties and familiarity with the Superdome. A strong debut could solidify his role; otherwise, New Orleans may scour waivers again. With a tough remaining schedule—including Miami, Carolina, and Atlanta—the kicking game looms large in their slim playoff hopes.
This decision underscores the NFL’s evolving scrutiny on player conduct, blending talent with accountability in roster building.
References
- The Spun: “Saints Appear To Have Made Decision On Justin Tucker” (November 26, 2025). https://thespun.com/nfl/saints-appear-to-have-made-decision-on-justin-tucker
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