Image Source: The New York Times
Justin Tucker is joining the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice squad as the team looks for answers to Harrison Butker’s difficult start to the 2026 season. The move, reported on October 28 by Sam McDowell of the Kansas City Star and Jonathan Jones of The Athletic, gives Kansas City an experienced alternative at kicker.
The signing follows a troubling stretch for Butker, who has converted just 11 of 16 field-goal attempts through six games. His 68.8 percent success rate is well below the standard he has established throughout his career, and his struggles became particularly visible during the Chiefs’ 20-3 road loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday night.
Justin Tucker Brings a Historic Kicking Resume
Tucker, 36, spent 13 seasons with the Baltimore Ravens from 2012 through 2024. During that span, he became one of the most accomplished kickers in NFL history and built a reputation for performing under pressure.
- Seven-time Pro Bowler
- Five-time First Team All-Pro
- One-time Super Bowl champion
- Member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s All-Decade Team for the 2010s
- Second-most accurate kicker in NFL history among qualified players
According to the report, Tucker has made 89.1 percent of his career field-goal attempts. He also ranks 14th in NFL history with 417 field goals made and 17th with 1,775 career points.
Those numbers explain why the Chiefs are willing to take a chance on the veteran despite his own recent decline. Tucker’s most recent NFL regular-season action came in 2024, when he posted the worst field-goal season of his career. He made 22 of 30 attempts, a 73.3 percent rate, and missed two of 62 extra-point tries.
Chiefs Create Critical Competition for Harrison Butker
Butker has also been regarded as one of the NFL’s elite kickers. Over his 10-year Kansas City career, he has won three Super Bowls and converted 87.3 percent of his field-goal attempts, ranking fifth on the league’s all-time accuracy list.
However, his recent performance has raised serious concerns. Butker is trending toward finishing below his career field-goal percentage for the fourth time in the past five seasons. His five missed field goals this year already match his total from the entire previous season.
The Seahawks game was especially challenging. Butker missed two of his three field-goal attempts in a 20-3 defeat, adding urgency to the Chiefs’ decision to bring in competition. Kansas City has not announced that Butker is being replaced, but the practice-squad addition gives the team a ready-made option if the misses continue.
What Justin Tucker’s Chiefs Move Means
Tucker’s arrival is not a guarantee that he will take over kicking duties. Practice-squad status means the Chiefs can evaluate him closely while maintaining flexibility with their active roster. The team can also use the arrangement to assess Tucker’s current form after nearly two years away from regular-season action.
Since leaving Baltimore, Tucker participated in tryouts and workouts with the New Orleans Saints, Indianapolis Colts and New York Jets. The Chiefs are the first team he has officially joined since his departure from the Ravens.
For Kansas City, the move is about both competition and insurance. Butker remains a proven player with a strong track record, but the Chiefs cannot afford repeated missed opportunities as they navigate the season. A reliable kicking game can decide close contests, particularly for a team expected to compete deep into the season.
Tucker, meanwhile, receives an opportunity to revive his NFL career with a high-profile franchise. Whether he eventually becomes Kansas City’s primary kicker will depend on his practice performance and Butker’s response in upcoming games.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Chiefs sign Justin Tucker?
The Chiefs signed Justin Tucker to their practice squad amid Harrison Butker’s struggles. The move gives Kansas City veteran competition and a potential backup option at kicker.
Is Justin Tucker replacing Harrison Butker?
No. Tucker’s practice-squad signing does not guarantee that Butker will lose his job. The Chiefs can evaluate both kickers before making any decision.
How has Harrison Butker performed this season?
Butker has made 11 of 16 field-goal attempts through six games, good for a 68.8 percent conversion rate. He missed two of three attempts against Seattle.
What are Justin Tucker’s career credentials?
Tucker is a seven-time Pro Bowler, five-time First Team All-Pro, Super Bowl champion and member of the 2010s All-Decade Team. He has made 89.1 percent of his career field goals.
