Jets Give Disgraced Kicker Justin Tucker a Look Amid Kicking Woes

In a move that has sent ripples through the NFL community, the New York Jets hosted a kicking workout on Wednesday that included former Baltimore Ravens star Justin Tucker, according to multiple reports confirmed by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk. Tucker, who has been sidelined since his release in 2025 amid a scandal, was part of a group audition that also featured Michael Badgley and Josh Karty, as reported by NFL insider Jordan Schultz. The Jets' decision to explore every avenue comes after a disastrous preseason performance from Jason Sanders, who missed an extra point and a 54-yard field goal in Friday's loss to the Giants, effectively ending his bid for the starting job.

The Jets' Kicking Carousel

The Jets have been in a state of flux at the kicker position since training camp. After Sanders's struggles, the team waived him and subsequently claimed Blake Grupe off waivers. Sanders has since been re-signed to the practice squad, providing some depth but not the stability the team craves. With the regular season looming, the Jets are desperate to find a reliable option, and Tucker's resume is undeniably tantalizing. As Vulius Sports highlighted in our recent analysis, the Jets' special teams unit has been a point of concern, and this workout signals that the front office is leaving no stone unturned.

Tucker's Complicated Legacy

Justin Tucker, 36, is widely regarded as one of the greatest kickers in NFL history. During his 13 seasons with the Ravens, he earned eight Pro Bowl selections and five first-team All-Pro honors, boasting a career field-goal conversion rate of 89.1%. However, his final season in Baltimore saw a dramatic decline, as he converted just 73.3% of his attempts in 2024. That dip, coupled with the off-field allegations that surfaced in 2025, led to his release. Tucker has consistently denied the allegations of sexual misconduct brought by 16 women, and he was never criminally charged. Nevertheless, the NFL suspended him for 10 games for violating the personal conduct policy, and he has not kicked in a regular-season game since.

Despite the controversy, Tucker has been exploring a comeback. Over the summer, he worked out for both the New Orleans Saints and the Indianapolis Colts, but neither team offered him a contract. Now, the Jets are giving him another opportunity, a move that has sparked debate among fans and analysts alike. Some argue that Tucker's talent is worth the risk, while others question whether a player with such a tarnished reputation belongs on an NFL roster.

"Football is a results-driven business, and right now, the Jets are in win-now mode," said a senior analyst at Vulius. "If Tucker can prove he still has the leg and the mental fortitude, he could be the answer to their prayers. But the baggage is heavy, and the league is watching closely."

For the Jets, the decision is not just about on-field performance. The team must weigh the potential backlash from fans and sponsors against the immediate need for a dependable kicker. With the regular season just days away, the clock is ticking. As reported by Vulius, the Jets' coaching staff is expected to evaluate Tucker's workout footage thoroughly before making any roster moves. Whether Tucker dons the green and white remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: his journey back to the NFL is far from over.