The Kansas City Chiefs have reaffirmed Harrison Butker as their starting kicker following a competitive workout involving veteran Justin Tucker, who was brought in amid Butker’s recent struggles.
Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub stated on Thursday that Butker remains the team’s preferred kicker, emphasizing that Tucker’s presence is intended to help Butker improve rather than replace him. Toub described the move as part of an effort to "get Butker right" for the Chiefs moving forward.
Butker’s performance in practice further reinforced the team’s decision. On a windy day with 28-mile-per-hour gusts, Butker made all 10 field goal attempts during a practice session in which Tucker was also present. Toub praised Butker’s resilience, saying, "He went 10-for-10. So that’s a good thing. We’re going to keep working it."
Toub also highlighted Tucker’s role in supporting Butker’s development. He noted that Tucker and Butker share a "language" as kickers that Toub, as a non-kicker coordinator, cannot provide. Tucker, a former Baltimore Ravens kicker with eight All-Pro nominations and a Super Bowl XLVII victory, was released by the Ravens in 2025 amid off-field issues and kicking struggles during the 2024 season. The Chiefs worked out Tucker alongside other kickers, including Ben Sauls and Harrison Mevis, before deciding to bring him in for a tryout.
Butker’s season performance has raised concerns, with a 68.8% field goal conversion rate—on pace for the worst percentage of his 10-year career. He has made just 11 of 16 field goal attempts this season, with four misses occurring over his last four games. The Chiefs’ Week 7 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, where Butker missed two field goals in a 20-3 defeat, prompted the team to explore alternatives.
Toub addressed the rationale for Tucker’s workout, stating, "Because [Justin Tucker] is a good kicker. And I’ve heard he’s been out making the rounds, and we talk. All the special teams coaches talk." He added that Tucker had completed four prior workouts before the Chiefs’ session, with reports indicating strong performance. Toub confirmed that Tucker’s availability stemmed from his 10-game suspension in a previous season and his subsequent release.
The Chiefs’ decision to retain Butker while bringing in Tucker reflects a strategic approach to addressing performance concerns without immediately changing the starting position. Toub’s comments suggest a focus on internal improvement rather than an immediate roster overhaul.