Ravens, Justin Tucker agree on 4-year, $16.8 million extension

The Baltimore Ravens have signed kicker Justin Tucker to a long-term contract extension in advance of Friday’s franchise tag deadline, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. The deal is worth $16.8 million over four years, with $10.8 million guaranteed, according to the report. That guaranteed amount is the most of any kicker in the league.

The Ravens applied the franchise tag to Tucker in February, locking up a player who has been a reliable kicker for them since entering the league in 2012. Tucker’s 2015 season was his least successful, as he converted just 33 of 40 attempts for an 82.5 completion percentage. However, 10 of those attempts were of 50 yards or more, which was the most in the league. Tucker’s lifetime field goal completion percentage is 87.8.

Under the tag, Tucker was set to make $4.572 million in 2016, a figure that would have made his salary the seventh-highest on Baltimore’s roster. On Thursday, it was reported that Tucker was “frustrated” with long-term contract negotiations, and that he had vowed not to re-sign with Baltimore after his franchise tag expired if they couldn’t reach an agreement on a new deal.

Fortunately, they were able to come to terms on such a deal.

Tucker has been waiting to secure a place to live until the deal is done, and he’s been flying back and forth between Maryland and his family’s home in Texas, where he has a one-month-old baby. During OTAs, Tucker spent one week crashing on long snapper Morgan Cox’s couch, and another week staying with tight end Dennis Pitta.

With his new deal, Tucker can certainly feel comfortable investing in a more permanent home in the Baltimore area. Perhaps he’ll also lend his singing talents to more local churches and businesses while he’s at it.