Chiefs pay Tucker minimum while other NFL stars command huge contracts
The signing of a suspended kicker to a practice squad contrasts with the financial deals secured by other players facing similar or more serious legal issues.
By Nikolai Patterson ·
The Kansas City Chiefs signed kicker Justin Tucker to their practice squad on Wednesday for the minimum salary, a figure that stands in sharp contrast to the multi-hundred-million-dollar deals secured by other NFL athletes facing legal scrutiny.
Tucker received a ten-game suspension in 2025 for violating the league's personal conduct policy. The penalty followed accusations from 16 female massage therapists in the Baltimore area regarding incidents between 2012 and 2016. Tucker has denied all allegations, including in a statement to OutKick when the claims first surfaced.
The move sparked immediate criticism from sports media figures. Dan Le Batard called the signing a sign of desperation, while ESPN analyst Mina Kimes shared a screenshot of the original allegations. Local Kansas City media members also voiced frustration with the decision.
Head coach Andy Reid addressed the controversy during a news conference where he spent five minutes answering questions about the kicker. "He’s done his suspension. Took care of his business there. I’ll leave it at that," Reid said.
The financial disparity is evident when comparing Tucker's situation to other recent roster moves. In 2022, the Cleveland Browns signed quarterback Deshaun Watson to the largest guaranteed contract in NFL history. Watson faced allegations from more women than Tucker, including claims of forced oral sex, and was sued in civil court by one therapist.
Other players have returned to the field after facing serious criminal charges. Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs returned to play Sunday after a stint on the commissioner exempt list. Jacobs was arrested and charged with allegedly strangling and suffocating his girlfriend. His legal team has sought to keep video of the incident private.
Denver Broncos pass rusher Jonathon Cooper also returned from the exempt list Sunday. He faces a felony charge of second-degree assault by strangulation and several misdemeanor counts related to altercations with a former partner. Seattle Seahawks cornerback Terrion Arnold was signed in August after the Detroit Lions released him. Arnold faces eight felony charges connected to an alleged plot to kidnap, pistol-whip, and rob three men. He faces up to life in prison.
The Chiefs have a history of signing players with prior legal or personal issues, including Tyreek Hill, Rashee Rice, Kareem Hunt, Charles Omenihu, and Frank Clark. The team appears willing to address its kicking problems by bringing in a player who is eligible to compete this week despite the ongoing debate.
