Ravens release Billy Cundiff, sticking with rookie Justin Tucker

The Ravens have parted ways with former Pro Bowl kicker Billy Cundiff, deciding to release him in favor of rookie kicker Justin Tucker.

Cundiff was benched in Baltimore's third preseason game against Jacksonville. Tucker handled all of the kicking duties and made field goals from 33 and 53 yards out. Cundiff was upset with sitting out against Jacksonville, stating he'd "take his services elsewhere" if the team thought his track record wasn't good enough.

Cundiff signed a five-year, $14.7 million contract after the 2010 season, when Cundiff made 26 of 29 field goal attempts. Over the last two years, Cundiff was 90 percent in the regular season inside of 50 yards, but missed a crucial 32-yard field goal attempt that would have sent the AFC Championship game against New England to overtime.

Tucker won the job with a stellar training camp performance. In practice, Tucker, an undrafted rookie out of Texas, was just under 95 percent on his field goals in front of the media and hit every kick attempted during preseason games.

Tucker showed a tendency to be clutch in college, as he nailed a 40-yard field goal at the buzzer to defeat Texas A&M last November.

The move saves Baltimore $1.8 million in cap space for 2012, though money wasn't a factor in this decision.

Follow Ravens reporter Jason Butt on Twitter: @CBSSportsNFLBAL and @JasonButtCBS.