Reid: Tucker's punishment is over, Chiefs give him a kick shot

The Kansas City Chiefs added a veteran kicker to their roster on Wednesday, a move prompted by the inconsistent performance of their current starter. Head coach Andy Reid addressed the decision in a postgame press conference, focusing on the practical needs of the team rather than the player's recent history.

Justin Tucker, 37, signed with the Chiefs practice squad. The team currently relies on Harrison Butker, who has attempted 16 field goals this season and missed five of them. Tucker offers a potential alternative at the position, bringing experience as the second all-time leader in the NFL for field-goal percentage.

Reid offered a short explanation for why the team brought Tucker back to Kansas City. He stated that the player completed his league-mandated suspension and handled his personal matters. When asked directly about the signal the signing sends to female fans, Reid said, “I’ll leave it at that.”

The signing follows a lengthy absence from professional football. Tucker played his last game for the Baltimore Ravens in the 2024 season. The NFL suspended him for the first 10 weeks of the 2025 season following an investigation into sexual misconduct allegations. Despite serving the suspension, Tucker remained unsigned for the entire 2025 campaign before working out with the Miami Dolphins earlier this year.

In January 2025, The Baltimore Banner published accounts from six women who accused Tucker of nonconsensual sexual behavior during massage therapy sessions between 2012 and 2016. The reports included claims that he exposed his genitals and brushed women with his exposed penis. Tucker’s final season with the Ravens saw his accuracy drop to a career-low 73.3% on field goals.

Reid indicated that the front office conducted its own review before finalizing the contract. He said the team talked to many people to ensure the situation was resolved. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes expressed confidence in general manager Brett Veach and the front office. Mahomes noted that he trusts the staff to bring in good players and preferred to focus on the team’s upcoming game against the Denver Broncos.