Drafting a kicker for the first time in franchise history was a clear sign that the Ravens would be moving on from seven-time Pro Bowl selection Justin Tucker.
But doing so in the sixth round doesn’t mean University of Arizona product Tyler Loop is a lock to be Baltimore’s kicker in 2025. That’s why it wasn’t at all surprising to see general manager Eric DeCosta sign former Wyoming kicker John Hoyland a week after terminating Tucker’s contract. Hoyland took part in rookie camp on a tryout basis earlier this month and went 73-for-92 on field goals over five college seasons.
Considering the Ravens haven’t hesitated to waive rookie cornerbacks, quarterbacks, and running backs drafted in the fifth and sixth rounds in recent years, there’s no reason to assume Loop won’t have to win the job despite being the clear favorite. And considering the franchise’s own history, moving on from a longtime kicker can be messy.
In 2009, Stephen Hauschka was the favorite to replace Matt Stover, who wasn’t re-signed after serving as the Ravens’ kicker for their first 13 seasons in Baltimore. Having arrived to serve as the kickoff specialist the previous year, Hauschka beat out undrafted rookie Graham Gano in the 2009 preseason, but struggles led to his release that November and the signing of Billy Cundiff to replace him. Both Hauschka and Gano would go on to have long NFL careers, but the timing wasn’t right for either in Baltimore.
In the summer of 2010, Cundiff beat out veteran Shayne Graham for the kicker job and would go on to have a Pro Bowl season to secure his place for the following campaign as well. Of course, we know how that 2011 season concluded for Cundiff and the Ravens, which prompted Tucker’s arrival in 2012 and another summer competition. Tucker won the job, and the rest was history as he’d become one of the most accomplished kickers in NFL history over the next 13 seasons.
Ideally, Loop will look the part this summer and carry that over to the fall when the stakes will be much higher than kicking on the back fields in Owings Mills. DeCosta and head coach John Harbaugh have made clear that senior special teams coach Randy Brown is a big believer in the 23-year-old’s potential, but it’s now up to Loop to win the job — and keep it. Hoyland will try to have something to say about that in the coming months.
In addition to Hoyland, the Ravens signed two other undrafted rookies on Monday: Army offensive tackle Lucas Scott and Louisiana-Lafayette defensive back Keyon Martin. Both participated in rookie camp on a tryout basis.
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Clowney reunion?
Carolina releasing veteran edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney last week predictably sparked speculation about a reunion with the Ravens.
It’s completely understandable after the 32-year-old enjoyed a renaissance in Baltimore in 2023 when he tied a career high with 9 1/2 sacks and played in every game for the first time in his career. One of the few persistent questions about Baltimore’s roster in recent years has been the ability to pressure the pocket with a conventional four-man rush.
The Ravens are certainly hoping to reap the rewards of drafting Marshall product Mike Green in the second round after past allegations of sexual assault prompted his fall down the draft board. Green was regarded by some as the second-best edge rusher in this draft class behind No. 3 overall pick Abdul Carter, so you’d like to give him every opportunity to carve out an important role in the outside linebacker rotation with projected starters Kyle Van Noy and Odafe Oweh as well as third-year contributor Tavius Robinson.
The compensation must align with what you’d expect Clowney to provide in his 12th season, of course, but there are plenty of snaps to go around among the aforementioned names, especially with Van Noy and Clowney well past age 30. And while the door remains open for the likes of 2024 third-round pick Adisa Isaac and 2022 second-round pick David Ojabo to find footing in the rotation, a Super Bowl contender isn’t in the business of handing snaps to unproven talents either.
As was the case two years ago, Clowney may not be in a major rush to find a new team, which could work in Baltimore’s favor. Under that scenario, the Ravens would have time to monitor the development of their young options and determine how much of a priority it is to add a veteran like Clowney.
No international games in 2025
8With the NFL announcing its international slate of games Tuesday and the Ravens not being among the teams playing in Brazil, Ireland, London, Germany, and Spain, we now know their travel will be very light in 2025.
In fact, the Ravens are set to travel the third-fewest miles (10,647) in the NFL, according to Bookies.com analyst Bill Speros. The only teams traveling less this season will be Cincinnati and Buffalo.
Baltimore will travel no further than one time zone away for its road games this season.
