Justin Tucker Returns to the NFL: Kansas City Chiefs Sign Former Ravens Star After Harrison Butker’s Struggles

Justin Tucker is getting another chance in the NFL, but his return comes with plenty of questions. The Kansas City Chiefs are signing the former Baltimore Ravens kicker to their practice squad, giving one of football’s most successful specialists an opportunity to rebuild his career.

The move comes as the Chiefs search for answers after Harrison Butker’s recent struggles. Justin Tucker has not played in an NFL game since the 2024 season, making his arrival an intriguing development for a team with championship ambitions.

Why the Kansas City Chiefs Signed Justin Tucker

The Chiefs are bringing Tucker into the organization to add competition at kicker. According to reports published on October 28, 2026, Kansas City decided to sign the veteran after working out multiple kickers.

The decision follows a difficult stretch for Butker, who has missed several field-goal attempts this season. His recent problems have raised questions about whether Kansas City needs another option at a position where every point can make a difference.

Tucker’s signing gives the Chiefs an experienced alternative. However, joining the practice squad does not mean he will immediately replace Butker in the starting lineup.

Justin Tucker’s Impressive NFL Career

Before his departure from Baltimore, Tucker had established himself as one of the most accomplished kickers in NFL history. He spent 13 seasons with the Ravens, earning seven Pro Bowl selections and five first-team All-Pro honors.

Tucker built his reputation through remarkable accuracy, consistency and an ability to deliver under pressure. He converted 89.1% of his career field-goal attempts during his time in Baltimore, placing him among the most accurate kickers the league has seen.

He also helped the Ravens win Super Bowl XLVII, cementing his place in the franchise’s history.

However, his final season with Baltimore was a significant departure from his earlier success. In 2024, Tucker made only 73.3% of his field-goal attempts, raising concerns about his form before he left the team.

Harrison Butker’s Struggles Open the Door

Butker has been a reliable part of the Chiefs’ success for years, but his performance in 2026 has created an unexpected problem.

He has converted 11 of 16 field-goal attempts this season, a success rate of 68.8%. His missed kicks during Kansas City’s recent 20-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks added to the pressure.

For a team competing in a demanding AFC West division, inconsistent kicking can quickly become costly. Field goals often decide close games, and missed opportunities can change the outcome even when an offense moves the ball effectively.

The Chiefs have not announced that Butker is losing his starting job. Tucker’s arrival instead gives the coaching staff another player to evaluate before making any decision.

Tucker Faces Questions After His NFL Absence

Tucker’s return also comes after a difficult period away from football. The Ravens released him in May 2025 following allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior made by 16 massage therapists in the Baltimore area. Tucker has denied the allegations.

The NFL subsequently suspended him for the first 10 games of the 2025 season for violating its personal conduct policy. He did not play during that season and remained without a team until Kansas City’s decision.

His extended absence and disappointing 2024 campaign mean he must prove that he can still perform at the highest level. His reputation alone will not guarantee a place on the active roster.

What Justin Tucker’s Signing Means for Kansas City

Tucker’s arrival creates competition at a position that has become a concern for the Chiefs. If he demonstrates that his accuracy and consistency have returned, Kansas City could have another experienced option available for important games.

For Tucker, the opportunity represents a possible fresh start after a turbulent period in his career. For Butker, it adds pressure to improve his results.

Whether Tucker eventually earns a place on the active roster remains uncertain. His next opportunity will depend on his performance in practice and the Chiefs’ assessment of their kicking options.

FAQs

1. Did Justin Tucker join the Kansas City Chiefs?

Yes. On October 28, 2026, the Chiefs signed the former Baltimore Ravens kicker to their practice squad.

2. Why did the Chiefs sign Justin Tucker?

Kansas City added Tucker to create competition at kicker after Harrison Butker struggled with field-goal attempts during the 2026 season.

3. When did Justin Tucker last play in an NFL game?

Tucker last played during the 2024 NFL season with the Baltimore Ravens. He did not play in 2025 before signing with Kansas City in October 2026.