Ravens’ Backup Plans: How Baltimore Could Adjust if Justin Tucker Doesn’t Return

The Baltimore Ravens’ special teams unit has long been a point of pride, with the undisputed leader of that group being kicker Justin Tucker. A future Hall of Famer and widely regarded as the best kicker in NFL history, Tucker’s contributions to the team are immeasurable. His remarkable consistency, his clutch performances, and his ability to make kicks from distances few others even attempt have been central to Baltimore’s identity. But as with any player, Tucker is not immune to the possibility of retirement, injury, or a sudden departure from the Ravens.

What would the Ravens do if Justin Tucker didn’t return? What plans would be in place to fill the giant shoes of one of the most iconic players in NFL history? Let’s explore how Baltimore could adjust if they were faced with the loss of their superstar kicker.

1. The Immediate Shock to the System

The initial shock of losing Justin Tucker would likely be felt across the organization. The Ravens have relied on Tucker for years, and his dependability in high-pressure situations has made him a cornerstone of their strategy. For the coaching staff, his absence would change the way they approach both offensive and defensive situations.

Head coach John Harbaugh, a special teams aficionado, would undoubtedly face a challenge in recalibrating his team’s expectations for kickoffs, field goals, and extra points. His ability to trust Tucker in virtually any scenario—from 50-yard kicks to game-winning field goals—has allowed him to be more aggressive with playcalling. Without Tucker, there would be a noticeable shift in how the Ravens manage close games and control the flow of critical moments.

2. Internal Replacements: Who Would Step Up?

The first place the Ravens would likely look for a replacement is within their own roster. The team has traditionally carried multiple specialists during the preseason and training camp, allowing them to evaluate backup kickers and punters in the event of an injury or roster change.

• Cole Murphy is an example of someone who could be considered a viable option. Murphy is a kicker with NFL experience who spent time on the Ravens’ practice squad in 2022. He has also played for other NFL teams, such as the Cincinnati Bengals, and could step in if needed. However, Murphy would be a relative unknown in terms of the pressure of replacing someone as skilled as Tucker.
• Jacob Sheppard is another player who could be looked at for backup duties. While he’s primarily a punter, the Ravens have sometimes used punters as emergency placekickers. However, given the enormous difference in skill and technique between punting and kicking field goals, this would likely be a less-than-ideal option.

While there may be internal candidates for the job, none of these players can replicate the extraordinary legacy Tucker has built. The Ravens would likely have to look outside the organization to find someone with a proven track record to fill his shoes.

3. Scouting Potential Replacements

If Tucker were to step away, the Ravens would have to scout external free agents and potentially trade for a kicker. Some options might include:

• Matt Prater (Free Agent): One potential veteran addition would be Matt Prater, a well-known kicker who has played for several teams, most recently the Arizona Cardinals. Prater has a strong leg, is capable of making kicks from over 50 yards, and has experience in high-pressure games. While he’s not Justin Tucker, his pedigree would make him an attractive option as a short-term or even long-term solution.
• Randy Bullock (Free Agent): Bullock has spent time with several teams, including the Houston Texans and Tennessee Titans, and has been a consistent kicker in the NFL. His leg strength and accuracy would make him another candidate if the Ravens were to pursue an external replacement.
• Young Draft Picks: The Ravens might also look to the draft for a new kicker, although this would be a risky proposition. The NFL draft doesn’t always yield high-quality kickers, and the team would have to weigh the potential upside of a rookie kicker against the obvious risks of inexperience. Teams like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have had success finding long-term replacements through the draft, such as with Matt Gay, but drafting a kicker is always a gamble.

4. Adjusting Game Strategy Without Tucker

A significant change would come in how the Ravens approach in-game decision-making. Harbaugh has had the luxury of knowing that if a game comes down to a last-second field goal or a 50-yard kick to end a half, Tucker will deliver. The ability to take risks with fourth-down attempts, or even go for it on longer distances, is something Harbaugh could feel less confident in if Tucker isn’t there.

Here’s how the Ravens might adjust:

• Aggressive Playcalling Shift: Without Tucker’s reliability, the Ravens could be less likely to rely on long field goals in key moments, particularly in games with weather concerns or in hostile environments. This could lead to more aggressive fourth-down attempts, and perhaps even more emphasis on converting on third downs to avoid situations where long field goals are needed.
• More Focus on Red Zone Efficiency: With the absence of Tucker, Baltimore might place more emphasis on improving its red-zone offense. The ability to score touchdowns instead of relying on field goals could become a key area of focus, as the Ravens adjust to a world without their kicker.
• Changes in Kickoff Strategy: Tucker’s ability to consistently kick touchbacks on kickoffs has been an invaluable asset for the Ravens. Without him, they could face a strategic shift, with either a change in kickoff coverage or a decision to take more risks with kick return attempts to potentially set up better field positions.

5. The Mental Toll on the Team

While Justin Tucker is known for his calm demeanor and poise under pressure, his loss would undeniably have a psychological effect on the entire team. Players like quarterback Lamar Jackson and the offensive unit, knowing that Tucker was a reliable presence on the field, would have to adjust to the reality of a potentially less reliable kicking game.

Special teams coordinator Chris Horton and his unit would also feel the strain. Tucker is more than just a kicker; he’s a leader on special teams who helps to inspire confidence in those around him. Whether it’s the long snapper or the holder, everyone involved in the special teams unit relies on Tucker’s consistency. Without him, that cohesion could take a hit.

6. Long-Term Considerations

While the immediate focus would be on finding a replacement for Tucker, the long-term ramifications of losing him would be substantial. The Ravens would have to come to terms with the idea of replacing an all-time great, and that might require adjusting how they approach team building.

• A Shift in Team Identity: For years, Tucker has been a defining figure in the team’s identity. While Lamar Jackson and the Ravens’ defense have certainly been more prominent in terms of leadership, Tucker’s role as the clutch kicker has been pivotal. Losing him would mark a significant shift in the culture, as the Ravens would need to reevaluate how they build their team around the kicking game.
• Revisiting Draft Strategies: With the importance of a kicker highlighted, the Ravens may become more aggressive in seeking out young, talented kickers in future drafts. Tucker’s eventual retirement might prompt Baltimore to establish a more long-term strategy for filling that position.

While it’s hard to imagine the Ravens without Justin Tucker, the team would undoubtedly do everything in its power to adjust and carry on with his absence. Whether through internal replacements or an external hire, the focus would be on finding someone who could replicate his consistency and reliability. Baltimore’s coaching staff, led by Harbaugh’s experience with special teams, would adjust their strategy and place more emphasis on offensive execution and aggressive playcalling.

Even without Tucker, the Ravens have the foundation of a competitive team, and though they would undoubtedly miss his incredible skills and leadership, they would look to evolve in a way that mitigates the loss and keeps their playoff aspirations intact. The long-lasting impact of Tucker’s departure would be a testament to how rare and valuable his talents truly are, but with the right adjustments, Baltimore would continue to push forward as a contender in the NFL.