In a desperate attempt to solve their kicker crisis, the Kansas City Chiefs created a public relations crisis. Signing Justin Tucker to the practice squad drew fierce criticism and endless backlash from all sides of the league.
There were valid reasons why no one dared to sign Tucker after he served his 10-game suspension, and not just because of how bad he had been in his final year with the Baltimore Ravens. That said, the Chiefs still need to do something about Harrison Butker.
Butker missed another kick in the 28-24 loss to the Denver Broncos, and he clearly can't get out of his own head. Bringing in outside competition didn't help, so it might be time to pull the plug once and for all.
It's long past time the Chiefs pivot away from Harrison Butker
Butker isn't good anymore. Sometimes, it's just as simple as that. He did plenty for this team, and they've repaid him kindly by sticking with him through thick and thin, but he's cost the team too often. In fact, no one has missed more kicks (16) in pro football dating back to last season than he has.
It was a great run. There was a time when he was probably the best kicker in the National Football League, but Father Time is ruthless and spares no one. He'll always have a special place in Chiefs' Kingdom and the fans' hearts.
But now, replacing him with Tucker would be more of the same. He was an all-time great before his well-documented off-field issues, but he was also on his last leg with the Ravens before his infamous suspension.
Multiple teams have needed kickers since the start of the season, yet it seems like the Chiefs were the only franchise that felt comfortable giving him a shot. As expected, the opinion of public eye was absolutely brutal.
Winning teams dominate in all three facets of the game. The Chiefs' defense can hold its own against the best of them; the offense is explosive but could use another weapon; and special teams have officially become a problem.
Andy Reid's loyalty to Butker is costing this team to the point where he's been forced to be more aggressive on fourth down because he clearly doesn't trust Butker to make the kicks he used to make in his sleep.
It's tough, harsh, and sad, but it happens to the best of them. Butker has been a polarizing figure for years, and while the Chiefs gladly look the other way when the players perform, there's no incentive to hold on to him much longer.
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