The key facts

  • Justin Tucker has signed a contract with the Kansas City Chiefs after serving a 10-game NFL suspension
  • 16 massage therapists in Baltimore alleged inappropriate behavior; the kicker denied the allegations
  • The Chiefs are looking to replace Harrison Butker, whose performance has declined

Return after suspension

Kicker Justin Tucker, who had not played in the NFL since January 2025, has signed a contract with the Kansas City Chiefs, AFP reports. The 36-year-old veteran has served a 10-game suspension imposed by the league in June 2025 for violations of the personal conduct policy. He was never criminally charged.

Allegations and consequences

The first allegations emerged in January 2025: 16 massage therapists from the Baltimore area said Tucker behaved inappropriately during sessions, including exposing his genitals and touching the thighs of some of them. Tucker initially called the allegations 'absolutely false' and later said he 'never intended to disrespect anyone, cross any boundaries, or make anyone feel uncomfortable.' The Baltimore Ravens released him in May 2025, and in June the NFL suspended him for 10 games.

The club's position and the sporting context

The Chiefs signed Tucker as they seek a backup kicker amid Harrison Butker's underwhelming performances. Asked what signal Tucker's signing sends to the club's fans, head coach Andy Reid replied that the kicker 'has served his suspension,' adding that the club 'did its homework' and 'talked to a lot of people to make sure everything was fine.' Tucker is considered one of the best kickers of his generation: he holds a 66-yard field goal record and a 89.1 percent conversion rate.