Chiefs sign Tucker to practice squad to back up Harrison Butker

The Kansas City Chiefs have signed eight-time All-Pro Justin Tucker to their practice squad. According to a report by CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz, the team selected Tucker after holding workouts with three candidates earlier in the week. The Kansas City Star was the first outlet to detail the move.

Tucker, 36, spent his final active season with the Baltimore Ravens. He last took the field for that team on January 19, 2025. Before his departure from Baltimore, he was a seven-time Pro Bowl selection and a Super Bowl champion. He holds league records for the quickest path to 300 career field goals and 1,000 career points. His 66-yard field goal stood as the longest in NFL history until Jacksonville Jaguars kicker Cam Little broke the mark in 2024.

The signing comes as Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker faces scrutiny over his recent performance. Butker has missed six kicks this season, including one extra point and two field goals in the 20-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 7. In that game, he missed a 58-yard attempt at halftime and a 45-yarder in the fourth quarter. Head coach Andy Reid noted that Butker had been inconsistent, stating, "He's off a bit, so gotta fix it."

Butker remains the team's primary kicker. He has converted nine of his last 10 attempts from inside 50 yards. However, his struggles from long range have cost the Chiefs points. The addition of Tucker to the practice squad suggests the coaching staff is seeking insurance depth. Tucker beat out former Los Angeles Rams kicker Harrison Mevis in the team's evaluation process.

Tucker's return to the NFL follows a year away from the league. The Ravens released him in May 2025 after suspending him for 10 games in the 2025 season for violating the personal conduct policy. The suspension stemmed from allegations involving multiple women at Baltimore-area spas. Tucker worked out with the Indianapolis Colts, New Orleans Saints, and New York Jets but did not sign with any of them.

Over his career, Tucker has made 417 field goals, ranking 14th in NFL history. His career conversion rate stands at 89.1 percent. He now joins a roster that is looking to stabilize its special teams unit as the regular season progresses.