Sportsnaut
Now that ten weeks of the NFL season have passed, Justin Tucker’s 10-game suspension is officially served. The league announced that Tucker’s suspension has been lifted, and he’s officially free to sign with any team that wants him. With some teams changing kickers seemingly every week, there could be interest in the seven-time Pro Bowler.
Let’s evaluate five teams that could make a push to sign Tucker right now, including a few that have brought in different kickers in recent weeks.
The Raiders just added 31-year-old veteran Greg Joseph to the practice squad on Tuesday, signaling that they may be considering moving on from All-Pro Daniel Carlson. If Carlson doesn’t show improved form, and if Joseph doesn’t appear to be an immediate upgrade, the Raiders may be the team willing to bring Tucker back to the NFL, because Pete Carroll is desperate for more wins.
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No kicker has a worse accuracy rate on extra points than Carolina Panthers undrafted rookie Ryan Fitzgerald, who’s connected on just 83.3% of his attempts. While extra points aren’t everything, it shows the youngster is still struggling with his accuracy. If the Panthers truly feel he’s worth developing, then they can shove Fitzgerald onto the practice squad while having Tucker help him perfect his craft.
Out of all the NFL’s kickers who have appeared in each of their team’s games this season, Blake Grupe has the worst accuracy rate on regular field goal attempts. He’s made just 73.9% of his field goals this season. At some point, the Saints have to reconsider their options, and Tucker is one of the most proven solutions in NFL history.
While they’re no longer in playoff contention, the Washington Commanders’ kicking situation has been a mess. Matt Gay is a one-time Pro Bowler, but he hasn’t been any good this year. Gay appeared in nine games, but his 73.3% field goal accuracy rate ranks third-worst in the NFL. The Commanders may want to see if they can start identifying a better option in anticipation of next season.
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The only team on this list poised to make the playoffs, a bad kicking situation could quickly derail Green Bay’s plans. The funny thing is, the Packers have two kickers on the roster. Brandon McManus ranks dead last, with a field goal accuracy rate of just 64.7%. Meanwhile, Lucas Havrisik has been much better, but he’s also only attempted six kicks. If the Packers want a chance at more long-term stability from a kicker with experience making big kicks in the playoffs, Justin Tucker could be their solution.
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