Saints Offer Tryout to Kicker Justin Tucker Following 10-Game Suspension

NFL Return Bid: Saints Bring in Kicker Justin Tucker for Tryout

The New Orleans Saints are providing a potential pathway back into the National Football League for kicker Justin Tucker, who recently completed a significant disciplinary action. According to reports from NFL Media, the Saints have scheduled a tryout for Tucker, just 13 days after his official reinstatement from a 10-game suspension.

This move signals the Saints’ potential need for competition or depth at the kicking position as the 2025 season approaches, and it offers Tucker a critical opportunity to demonstrate he is ready to return to the professional level both athletically and personally.

The Context of Reinstatement and the Personal Conduct Policy

Tucker’s tryout is notable not just for the player involved, but for the circumstances surrounding his absence. The kicker had been serving a 10-game suspension levied under the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy (PCP). The PCP covers a broad range of off-field issues, and a suspension of this length—equivalent to more than half a regular season—is typically reserved for serious violations.

For a specialist position like kicker, a 10-game absence is a substantial period away from the competitive environment. His reinstatement, which occurred just under two weeks ago, means he is now eligible to sign with any NFL team.

Key Details of Tucker’s Status:

• Player: Justin Tucker (Kicker)
• Disciplinary Action: 10-game suspension.
• Policy: NFL Personal Conduct Policy.
• Reinstatement: Effective 13 days prior to the tryout.
• Current Action: Tryout scheduled with the New Orleans Saints.

While the specific details leading to the suspension remain confidential unless disclosed by the league or the player, the severity of the penalty underscores the NFL’s commitment to the PCP guidelines.

Why the Saints Are Looking for Kicking Help

The New Orleans Saints, like many NFL teams during the offseason and training camp periods, are constantly evaluating talent to ensure maximum efficiency in all three phases of the game. The decision to bring in a recently reinstated player suggests the team is willing to look past the disciplinary history if the talent warrants it.

Kicking consistency is paramount, and the Saints organization is likely seeking a reliable option who can perform under pressure. A tryout allows the coaching staff to assess several factors simultaneously:

• Physical Readiness: Has Tucker maintained his form and strength during his time away?
• Accuracy and Distance: Can he consistently hit field goals from various distances, particularly from the critical 40-50 yard range?
• Mental Fortitude: How does he handle the pressure of a high-stakes tryout, and how will he integrate into the locker room following a suspension?

The Challenge of Returning Post-Suspension

For any player returning from a lengthy suspension, the transition back to the professional environment is challenging. They must not only meet the physical demands of the sport but also adhere to any conditions set forth by the league for their continued eligibility.

For Tucker, this tryout represents the first step in proving that the suspension served its purpose and that he is prepared to be a reliable and contributing member of an NFL franchise. The Saints are taking a calculated risk, prioritizing potential talent over the baggage associated with the disciplinary action.

Historical Precedent and the Path Forward

The NFL has a history of players successfully returning from suspensions under the Personal Conduct Policy, though the path is often scrutinized. Teams must weigh the potential on-field benefits against the public relations and locker room impact of signing a player with a recent disciplinary record.

If the Saints are satisfied with Tucker’s performance during the tryout, the next steps would involve contract negotiations and a formal signing. If signed, Tucker would immediately enter the competition for the starting kicker role, likely challenging the incumbent or other specialists brought in during the offseason.

Key Takeaways for the Saints and Tucker

• Opportunity for Redemption: The tryout is Tucker’s first tangible chance to prove his commitment to the NFL standard of conduct and performance after his 10-game ban.
• Saints’ Evaluation: New Orleans is clearly prioritizing talent acquisition and is willing to invest time in evaluating players who have recently been reinstated.
• Immediate Impact: If signed, Tucker would face immediate pressure to perform consistently, as the margin for error for kickers in the NFL is extremely thin.

Conclusion: A High-Stakes Audition

The New Orleans Saints’ decision to bring in Justin Tucker for a tryout is a significant moment for the player, marking the end of his professional limbo following his 10-game suspension under the Personal Conduct Policy. While the tryout itself is no guarantee of a roster spot, it confirms that NFL teams are monitoring the market for available talent, even those with recent disciplinary hurdles.

For the Saints, this is a pragmatic move to address potential special teams needs. For Tucker, it is a high-stakes audition where he must demonstrate not only his elite kicking ability but also his renewed commitment to the league’s standards. The outcome of this tryout will determine if his phone rings again with a contract offer, solidifying his return to the league in the 2025 season.