Justin Tucker won’t re-sign with Ravens if he has to play under franchise tag
If the Baltimore Ravens are unable to reach an agreement on a long-term contract extension with Justin Tucker, the kicker says he will not re-sign with the team the next time his deal expires.
Tucker’s agent, Rob Roche, said Thursday that the 26-year-old is frustrated over the thought of having to play under the franchise tag this season.
“Justin’s disillusioned with the process right now and the Ravens’ position with him on his contract,” Roche said. “If we don’t get a long-term deal done by Friday, Justin will not entertain offers from [the] Ravens after the season.”
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the Ravens actually decreased their offer to Tucker recently, and the latest salary numbers they threw his way would pay him less than Green Bay Packers kicker Mason Crosby. If a long-term deal cannot be reached by 4 p.m. on Friday, Tucker will make $4.5 million under the franchise tag.
Tucker is one of the best kickers in the NFL, having converted 87.8 percent of his kicks in four seasons. That makes him the second-most accurate kicker in league history behind only Dan Bailey’s 90.6 percent.
The Ravens could still keep Tucker with the franchise tag next offseason, but they would have to pay him $5.4 million for 2017 if they go down that road. If Tucker eventually walks, Baltimore would be losing an amazing singer (remember this video?) in addition to a phenomenal kicker.
