Saints consider a move that looks questionable for more than one reason and raises new concerns about their direction
The Saints are giving Justin Tucker his first opportunity following suspension.
Kicker Blake Grupe has been a point of concern for the New Orleans Saints so far this season. The Saints boot has struggled on his way to missing a league-high eight field goals through twelve weeks of play (ahead of Monday Night Football). It seems that New Orleans is finally saying that enough is enough when it comes to their special teams issues.
Justin Tucker trying out for Saints amid kicker struggles
According to reports, the Saints are trying out former Pro Bowl kicker Justin Tucker. They clearly want to look at some competition for Grupe, who may lose his starting spot this week. Grupe missed two first half field goals against the Atlanta Falcons this past weekend. The Saints lost that game, 24-10.
This decision is a bit surprising for a couple of reasons. Tucker is 36 years old and carries baggage. New Orleans is going through a rebuilding stage for their franchise, so signing a kicker who may not be able to be a long-term answer at the position doesn’t make a ton of sense. Plus, Tucker made 73.3% of his field goal attempts last year. That would rank 31st in the NFL this season.
Additionally, Tucker is coming off of a ten-game suspension handed down by the NFL due to violating the personal conduct policy.
“Justin Tucker was reinstated on November 11 after serving a 10-game suspension tied to allegations from 16 massage therapists of sexually inappropriate behavior during massage sessions taking place between 2012 and 2016. Tucker denied claims, but did not appeal the suspension.” — Ross Jackson
At every level, it may be smarter for New Orleans to sign Cade York, who is also trying out on Monday and went to LSU. If he impresses during the tryout, he comes with more long-term upside than Tucker as of now. Regardless, the Saints need a new kicker, and they may not trust Charlie Smyth yet, who resides on their practice squad currently.
New Orleans Saints News
Saints take next step toward making necessary move that fans are begging Kellen Moore for following loss to Falcons
The Saints may replace Blake Grupe soon.
