The San Francisco 49ers stunned the NFL world when they made Michigan kicker Jake Moody the 99th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. This move made Moody the highest-drafted kicker since 2016 and just the second kicker taken in the top 100 picks over the past 17 years. General manager John Lynch emphasized that the team’s competitiveness and frequent close games meant that having a reliable kicker would be crucial for success.

However, since being drafted almost two years ago, Moody has faced challenges in maintaining consistency—a critical factor for a position with such high expectations. After another disappointing performance in the Week 16 loss to the Miami Dolphins, Grant Cohn of Sports Illustrated questioned whether Moody’s days in San Francisco might be numbered.

Will Jake Moody Be Released by the 49ers in 2025?

Looking at the trajectory of Moody’s career with the 49ers, it’s hard not to see a cloud of uncertainty hanging over his future in the Bay Area. In his rookie season, Moody showed flashes of promise, successfully converting 84% of his field goals, ranking 20th in the NFL. He also completed 60 of 61 extra-point attempts during the regular season, which gave fans hope for his potential.

However, things started to unravel in the postseason. Moody missed a field goal in each of the 49ers’ three playoff games, including a missed extra point in the Super Bowl. Since then, his struggles have continued into the 2024 season. With a field goal success rate of just 76.7%, which ranks 29th in the league, it’s clear that his performances have not met the expectations set for a third-round pick. Cohn suggests that it’s unlikely Moody will be with the team in 2025, given his current form.

Moody’s Struggles from 40 Yards and Beyond

While Moody has been solid on shorter field goals under 40 yards, the same can’t be said for his performance on longer attempts. He’s 6-for-10 on kicks between 40-49 yards and just 3-for-6 on attempts of 50 yards or more. This inconsistency in his kicking range has raised concerns, particularly for a team with Super Bowl aspirations. Special teams can make or break a championship run, and at this point, Moody’s long-range struggles may force the 49ers to reevaluate their options.

A Look Back at Moody’s College Career and Early Success

Before joining the 49ers, Moody’s college career at Michigan was characterized by remarkable consistency and clutch performances under pressure. He won the Lou Groza Award in 2021 as the nation’s best kicker and set several school records, including career points (355) and single-season points (147). His track record made him an appealing choice for San Francisco, who was searching for a dependable replacement for longtime kicker Robbie Gould.

In his rookie season, while his performance was solid, it wasn’t without its hiccups. After a relatively quiet start to his career in 2023, things started to take a turn for the worse in 2024.

Injury and Misses Have Plagued Moody in 2024

Moody’s struggles have been compounded by injuries. In Week 3 against the Los Angeles Rams, he missed a crucial 55-yard field goal attempt late in the fourth quarter. This miss was a key factor in the 49ers’ 27-24 loss, and it highlighted Moody’s difficulty in handling pressure-filled moments on the road.

Things took another hit in Week 5, when Moody sustained a high ankle sprain while attempting a tackle on a kickoff against the Arizona Cardinals. This injury sidelined him for several games, forcing the 49ers to rely on backup kickers.

When he returned to action in Week 10 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Moody’s performance didn’t improve. He missed three field goal attempts, which led to criticism from fans and even a sideline confrontation with teammate Deebo Samuel. Despite these setbacks, Moody managed to redeem himself with a clutch 44-yard field goal as time expired, securing a 23-20 victory for the 49ers.

The Most Recent Setback: Week 16 Against the Dolphins

In Week 16, Moody’s issues flared up once again during a 29-17 loss to the Miami Dolphins. He missed a 48-yard field goal attempt in the third quarter, a miss that could have kept the game within reach for the 49ers. Not only did this miss affect the game’s momentum, but it also raised further concerns about Moody’s consistency under pressure.

Given his ongoing struggles, the 49ers are likely to closely evaluate his performance in the coming months. If the issues persist, they could decide that a change is needed to improve the special teams unit. Moody’s future with the team will largely depend on whether he can turn things around in the final stretch of the season. If not, his time in San Francisco may be coming to an end sooner rather than later. The 49ers’ postseason aspirations may ultimately hinge on whether they can find a more reliable kicker moving forward.