Justin Tucker spent the past 13 years with the Ravens, making him what had been the longest-tenured player on the team. That tenure in Baltimore came to an unceremonious and extraordinary end with his release Monday.

There are undoubtedly football elements to the decision. Tucker is 35 and coming off the worst season of his career. He was one of the highest-paid kickers in the league. By designating him a post-June 1 release, the cash-strapped Ravens will add just over $4 million of salary-cap space in about a month.