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For the first time in their franchise history, the Baltimore Ravens have selected a placekicker in the NFL Draft. That pick was Tyler Loop, out of Arizona, in the 6th round (No. 186 overall). However, this decision could be more than just your average, run-of-the-mill day three draft pick.
The optics on it send a very clear message to Justin Tucker, whose future with the club is in strong doubt due to both on- and off-field reasons.
We'll start with the off-field, as the Baltimore Banner reported in January that six massage therapists had accused Tucker of sexual harassment. Shortly thereafter, 16 massage therapists came forward with similar accusations. Tucker has twice publicly denied the allegations.
Meanwhile, the Ravens have clarified that they won't decide on Tucker's future until after the NFL completes its investigation into the situation.
Tucker's production on the field declined significantly statistically, and his 2024 season was the least efficient of his entire career.
When asked how the selection of Loop could impact Tucker's place on the team, Ravens GM Eric DeCosta was evasive, saying:
The Loop selection is a bit surprising, however, because higher-rated placekickers were still available at the time. Florida State's Ryan Fitzgerald, widely considered among the best PKs in this draft class, was still out there, but the Ravens obviously felt that Loop was the better fit/more appropriate choice.
Placekicker will be in the top position to watch this preseason for the Ravens.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: The optics send a message to Justin Tucker, whose future is in doubt
Continue reading...
The optics on it send a very clear message to Justin Tucker, whose future with the club is in strong doubt due to both on- and off-field reasons.
We'll start with the off-field, as the Baltimore Banner reported in January that six massage therapists had accused Tucker of sexual harassment. Shortly thereafter, 16 massage therapists came forward with similar accusations. Tucker has twice publicly denied the allegations.
Meanwhile, the Ravens have clarified that they won't decide on Tucker's future until after the NFL completes its investigation into the situation.
Tucker's production on the field declined significantly statistically, and his 2024 season was the least efficient of his entire career.
When asked how the selection of Loop could impact Tucker's place on the team, Ravens GM Eric DeCosta was evasive, saying:
The Loop selection is a bit surprising, however, because higher-rated placekickers were still available at the time. Florida State's Ryan Fitzgerald, widely considered among the best PKs in this draft class, was still out there, but the Ravens obviously felt that Loop was the better fit/more appropriate choice.
Placekicker will be in the top position to watch this preseason for the Ravens.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: The optics send a message to Justin Tucker, whose future is in doubt
Continue reading...
