The Baltimore Ravens made a surprising move by selecting Tyler Loop as the first kicker in franchise history during the sixth round of the NFL Draft. This decision, while unexpected, signals potential uncertainty surrounding veteran kicker Justin Tucker's future with the team. Tucker has faced serious allegations off the field, which have compounded with his recent decline in performance, marking the least efficient season of his career in 2024. General Manager Eric DeCosta has not ruled out Tucker's future, stating that they will evaluate all kickers during the offseason.

Loop's selection comes as notable because other more highly-rated kickers were still available. This pick could indicate the Ravens' intention to bring in competition for Tucker, whose on-field performance has raised questions following the allegations against him. The Ravens emphasized evaluating potential talent across all positions, indicating their focus on maintaining a competitive roster. The upcoming preseason will be critical for both Loop and Tucker as the Ravens assess their kicking situation moving forward.