Kellen Moore defended the Saints’ decision to have disgraced kicker Justin Tucker in for a tryout Monday.
Tucker, 36, was accused of sexual misconduct by 16 massage therapists from eight different Baltimore-area spas during sessions that took place between 2012 and 2016, which had first been reported by the Baltimore Banner earlier this year.
The NFL investigated the claims and the probe ended up resulting in a 10-week suspension.
Tucker was released by the Ravens in May after 13 seasons, though they said it was a “football decision.”
With Tucker’s ban now over, the Saints opted to give him a tryout.
“He’s been a really good kicker in this league for a really long time and he’s had a ton of success,” Moore said when pressed by reporters over why the Saints wanted to bring him in to begin with.
“He’s been a leader for Baltimore for a long time, he’s been one of their leaders for an extended period of time with a very successful team. Obviously, there’s been some stuff that’s been unfortunate. He’s gone through an experience and I think it’s about collecting what that experience was. And we’ll evaluate the football aspect of it and we’ll evaluate everything else as well.”
Tucker was never charged criminally over the allegations and he has denied them, including in a statement to OutKick in February.
“I maintain I did not act inappropriately at any point before, during, or after a professional bodywork treatment session, nor have I ever been told I am unwelcome at any massage therapy provider,” he told the outlet.
New Orleans is also reportedly having Cade York for a tryout.
Blake Groupe, the team’s current kicker, has made just 18-of-26 field goal attempts with a long of 54.
The Saints are currently 2-9.
Tucker was a seven-time Pro Bowler during his 13 seasons with the Ravens and won a Super Bowl with the franchise.
He had struggled in 2024 and made 22-of-30 field goal attempts.
