According to The Athletic, the Ravens want to follow the NFL’s example and are still playing the waiting game with Justin Tucker.

It seems you’re referring to a detailed article or analysis about the Baltimore Ravens and their ongoing negotiations with Justin Tucker. However, I’m unable to access specific articles, including those from The Athletic, as that would require a direct subscription or access to their platform. But, I can certainly provide a detailed, speculative breakdown of what this situation might look like, based on general knowledge of NFL contract negotiations, Justin Tucker’s value to the Ravens, and the broader context of NFL player contracts.

Let’s dive into the situation from a strategic standpoint:

The Ravens and Justin Tucker: A Strategic Waiting Game

The Baltimore Ravens are in the midst of a delicate balancing act with Justin Tucker, widely considered the best kicker in NFL history. The Ravens organization has long valued Tucker not only for his remarkable accuracy and clutch kicking performances but also as an essential figure in the team’s overall identity. However, as with many star players, managing contract negotiations, especially when the player is still performing at an elite level, can be tricky.

The Importance of Justin Tucker to the Ravens

Since entering the NFL in 2012, Tucker has made an indelible mark on the league, breaking records, winning games, and consistently outperforming expectations. His leg is often regarded as the most dependable in the NFL, with him holding the record for the longest field goal in NFL history (66 yards, set in 2021). The value of a kicker like Tucker cannot be overstated, especially for a team like the Ravens, who are known for their grind-it-out football style that often relies on field goals to decide games.

Tucker has been one of the Ravens’ most consistent and reliable players, often tasked with handling high-pressure situations. His ability to nail clutch kicks in critical moments – be it a game-winner or a crucial extra point – has made him a fan favorite and an integral part of Baltimore’s success.

As one of the premier kickers in the league, Tucker is at a unique crossroads in his career. His age (currently in his mid-30s) and his status as an elite player make him an ideal candidate for a new, long-term contract. However, his value to the team goes beyond just his on-field statistics; it extends to leadership, clutch performances, and his standing as a cultural icon in Baltimore.

The Waiting Game: Why the Ravens Are Hesitant

The Ravens’ waiting game with Justin Tucker can be understood in the context of how the NFL is evolving, both in terms of player contracts and team building.

1. The NFL’s Changing Approach to Kickers Historically, NFL teams have been reluctant to pay big money to kickers. The reason for this is rooted in the perception that kicking is a relatively “replaceable” position. The NFL’s emphasis on skill positions like quarterback, wide receiver, or pass rusher often results in kickers being undervalued in the broader conversation about team building. With the salary cap always a factor, teams often hesitate to invest substantial amounts in a position that is viewed as more dispensable.

   The situation with Justin Tucker represents an anomaly in this narrative. While the Ravens have demonstrated a rare willingness to pay Tucker at a high level, they are still facing the broader issue of whether to offer a kicker a top-tier contract that is comparable to players at other positions. The Ravens are trying to make sure they strike the right balance between rewarding Tucker for his greatness and ensuring they do not allocate too many resources to a position that, on its surface, may appear to be less important than others.

2. The NFL’s Precedent of Big Kicker Deals In recent years, a few kickers have signed significant contracts, which might provide a framework for Tucker’s situation. The most notable example is the contract extension signed by the Los Angeles Rams’ kicker, Greg Zuerlein, before his departure. While the Rams’ investment in Zuerlein did not reach astronomical figures, it did set a precedent for kickers receiving long-term deals that approach or exceed the $10 million per year mark. Tucker, whose career has eclipsed that of Zuerlein, would likely seek a deal that exceeds this benchmark, given his own achievements and importance to the Ravens’ special teams unit.

   The New England Patriots also provide a relevant example, having awarded Stephen Gostkowski a hefty deal that kept him in New England for many years. This could give Tucker’s camp confidence that the market will support a big deal for an elite kicker.

3. The Salary Cap Conundrum The NFL salary cap system, which is designed to create parity, means that every contract signed has to be accounted for within the team’s total payroll. While the Ravens are known for their solid financial management, offering Tucker a massive extension may require them to cut back in other areas. With Lamar Jackson’s contract still looming and the need to improve key areas such as wide receiver or defensive line, the Ravens might be reluctant to commit long-term funds to Tucker while also managing their overall team construction.

   The timing of Tucker’s contract extension, as the Ravens approach the critical years of Jackson’s career, is another crucial consideration. Jackson, as the face of the franchise, is likely to command a significant portion of the salary cap, and Baltimore will need to find a balance between paying their elite players while continuing to build a competitive roster. In this context, the Ravens’ caution with Tucker’s deal is a reflection of this broader strategy.

What Justin Tucker Wants: A Legacy Contract

Tucker, at this stage in his career, is not simply seeking a paycheck—he’s seeking a legacy. For a player who is already considered the greatest kicker of all time, his next contract may very well be his last. Therefore, it’s about securing a deal that ensures his place in Ravens lore for the rest of his career and beyond.

Tucker has seen the contracts of other kickers and may have his sights set on a deal that solidifies his standing as one of the NFL’s elite performers, regardless of position. From his perspective, a long-term deal could represent more than just compensation; it would offer him the security to continue breaking records, making clutch kicks, and helping the Ravens in their quest for championships.

Given his status as a franchise icon, it’s likely that Tucker is willing to play the waiting game to secure a deal that fully reflects his value, both in terms of his contributions to the team and his place in NFL history.

The Role of John Harbaugh and the Ravens’ Front Office

Ultimately, the Ravens’ coaching staff and front office, led by head coach John Harbaugh, will play a pivotal role in resolving the situation. Harbaugh, a former special teams coach, understands the value of having a reliable kicker. He’s seen firsthand how Tucker’s kicks have won games and helped the Ravens thrive in tight contests. It’s hard to imagine the Ravens letting Tucker walk over money, but negotiations like these are always about finding the right value proposition.

The front office’s approach will likely be a careful one, as they weigh the value of a top-tier kicker against the need to build a complete team. The Ravens’ front office will likely respect Tucker’s contributions to the team while also being mindful of how a big contract might affect the team’s flexibility down the road.

The Future of Justin Tucker and the Ravens

As the Ravens continue their negotiations with Tucker, they will undoubtedly face a tough decision about what type of contract they are willing to offer. Tucker’s place in Ravens history is secure, but the financial realities of the NFL may force the team to make difficult decisions.

In the end, it’s likely that both sides will come to an agreement that recognizes Tucker’s unparalleled ability as a kicker, while also balancing the team’s long-term goals. The Ravens may ultimately decide that the value Tucker brings to the team on and off the field justifies the investment.

Whether it’s a massive contract extension or a slightly more modest deal, Justin Tucker will continue to play a central role in the Ravens’ success for years to come. In the meantime, fans can rest easy knowing that their star kicker is just one more negotiation away from securing his legacy in Baltimore—no matter how long the waiting game takes.