The Pittsburgh Steelers compete in arguably the toughest division in the NFL. The AFC North isn't the cream of the crop every year, but it has been one of the most competitive groups throughout the league for several campaigns. The battles between the respective teams can never go smoothly, as they are usually close, and emotions run by throughout each contest. Despite the talent that each organization possesses, the majority of the 21st century has been run by the Steelers and Baltimore Ravens. That seems like the case once again in 2025 after Joe Burrow will be sidelined for three months with a toe injury.
AP Photo / Don Wright
Baltimore Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh (left) and Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin talk on the field prior to a competitive matchup in Pittsburgh, PA.
Both Mike Tomlin and John Harbaugh have had their battles throughout their careers, and both are recognized as two of the best head coaches in all of football. The games between the two franchises have often come down to field goals or less, which is why fans all around the league tune in when the two are facing off. That is expected to continue moving forward.
Chris Boswell has done a phenomenal job against the Ravens (and every other team) for the majority of his career, which has helped Pittsburgh to remain in tough matchups versus the Ravens. His former counterpart, Justin Tucker, was a thorn in the Steelers' side for many years. The disgruntled kicker was released in the 2025 offseason after facing several allegations for improper misconduct at massage parlors in the Baltimore area.
It seemed as if his legal process would go on for some time and that Tucker may never kick in the NFL again, but Tom Pelissero is reporting that he could be on a field once again after his current 10-week suspension is over.
Seven-time Pro Bowl kicker Justin Tucker is working out at his alma mater, the University of Texas, where he recently recreated his 18 game-winning field goals from 2012-24.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 4, 2025
Tucker, 35, is eligible to return from suspension Nov. 11 and already has interest from several teams. pic.twitter.com/wZEGVH0kEx
The report from Pelissero comes as a bit of a shock because it is still not known how Tucker's legal proceedings will play out. Steelers fans may remember Tucker doing them a favor back in when he missed two fields goals in November of 2024, while Boswell nailed six in an 18-16 win for Pittsburgh. Tucker struggled towards the end of his Ravens tenure, but it seems now possible that he could be making a return.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin and kicker Chris Boswell (9) stand on the field and look on as the team works out during a 2025 training camp practice in Latrobe, PA.
Teams are always ready to change kickers on a dime because of how important the position is. Fortunately, the Steelers haven't had to do that while other teams struggle on what seems like a yearly basis. Tucker coming back would come with several mixed reviews across the NFL landscape, but based on the allegations against him, many may be quick to scold any organization that brings him in.
An interesting situation to watch is with the Cleveland Browns. The AFC North organization decided to trade for Deshaun Watson in 2022, despite there being several legal issues going on with him at the time. Currently, Andre Szmyt is kicking in Cleveland, but he had hit just five of his seven field goal attempts. If his struggles continue, the Browns have already proven that they are okay bringing in someone with a questionable off-the-field circumstance.
Gene J. Puskar / Associated Press
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) throws over defensive end DeMarvin Leal (98) during the first half of a Pittsburgh Steelers game against the Cleveland Browns.
Steelers Are More Than Happy To Have Boswell In The Steel City
Boswell is arguably the best kicker in the league and continues to perform at a high level. He could absolutely become the league's highest-paid kicker during the 2026 offseason, and it will be well deserved. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh will pay no mind to Tucker's status because it surely is not one of the teams that is currently interested in signing him come November.
Do you think that the Steelers will see Tucker in 2025 as a member of the Browns or another organization? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
