Ozzie Newsome: Re-Signing K Justin Tucker A Priority, Will Franchise Him If Needed

Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome told reporters on Thursday that trying to extend K Justin Tucker‘s contract remains a “priority” for them this offseason, per Jeff Zrebiec.

• Newsome added that if it gets to the point where they aren’t close to an agreement, they will use their franchise tag on him.

Tucker recently said his agent and the team have been in negotiations for “the better part of a year” regarding a long-term extension.

“My agent [Robert Roche] and these guys have been talking, on and off, for a better part of a year, year and a half,” Tucker said, via the Baltimore Sun. “At this juncture, I’m kind of letting it all just unfold how it’s going to unfold.”

Tucker is optimistic that something will eventually get done, which will allow him to remain in Baltimore for the foreseeable future.

“I’m optimistic that something will get done, but at the same time, like I said, the only thing that I can really concern myself with as a player is just improving and making sure that wherever I end up, I know I’m going to end up where, God willing, I’m supposed to end up, but the only thing that I can take care of is my own personal business, and that’s making myself the best kicker possible.”

Tucker, 26, played out the season under a second-round restricted tender worth $2.356 million. He’s in line to be an unrestricted free agent and will end up securing a well deserved pay raise at some point.

In 2015, appeared in all 16 games for the Ravens and converted 33 of 40 attempts (82.5 percent) to go along with all 29 extra point tries and 63 touchbacks. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 1 kicker out of 60 qualifying players.