As the 2024 season comes to a close, there’s one critical move the San Francisco 49ers need to make: they must part ways with kicker Jake Moody. The time has come for the 49ers to make a change at the kicker position, as Moody’s poor performances can no longer be overlooked. It’s been a tumultuous season for him, marked by inconsistency and mental struggles that show little signs of improvement. From the very start of the season, it’s been a rollercoaster ride for Moody, and it’s a ride that the 49ers need to get off of.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan seems to have finally reached his breaking point with Moody. Following a loss to the Detroit Lions, Shanahan was asked about the kicker situation, especially after Moody’s recent struggles. Despite previously offering his confidence in the young kicker, Shanahan seemed to acknowledge that the situation had become dire. When asked if the team was evaluating the kicker position, Shanahan didn’t hesitate to respond affirmatively.

“We already are, we’re evaluating all positions,” Shanahan explained. “Earlier in the week, I was talking about some of the things he’s been through this year, which are facts, like him coming back from that injury and everything. But today wasn’t a great day, by no means. Missing the 51-yard field goal… the 58-yard field goal, that’s just a got-to-have-it situation. It’s not going to be too hard on him for that far of a kick. But I know he’s capable of making that, and I think he just missed it. But obviously, that extra point— I don’t know how the snap and hold were, but we’ll look at that on tape. You’ve got to make that extra point.”

This marks back-to-back weeks where Shanahan has publicly stated that Moody needed to make a critical kick, and it’s clear that Shanahan’s patience is running thin. The reality is, Shanahan likely won’t be offering the same level of support this week as he did previously. He’s tried giving Moody a boost, but it hasn’t worked.

At this point, it seems like there’s little hope left for Moody. He appears to be stuck in his own head, trapped in an abyss of self-doubt, and it’s hard to see how he can recover. Moody’s struggles have become a constant source of anxiety for both the team and the fanbase. His lack of confidence on the field is evident, and it’s affecting the entire locker room. Every time Moody lines up for a kick, there’s a collective sigh, knowing that the chances of success are slim.

For the 49ers, this uncertainty at the kicker position has become a liability. The players can’t have faith that a field goal or extra point attempt will be converted with Moody on the field. His missed kicks have led to squandered opportunities, and it’s weighing heavily on the team’s morale. Every failed attempt by Moody feels like a wasted effort, leaving teammates frustrated and disheartened.

The 49ers need to make a bold decision this offseason: cut ties with Jake Moody. While it may be difficult to move on from a player drafted in the third round, the 49ers cannot afford to hold on simply because of his draft status. This move would be about pragmatism over sentimentality. It’s clear that Moody is not the answer at kicker for the team moving forward, and it’s time to look for a replacement who can provide consistency and reliability.

For the sake of the team’s future success, the 49ers must take a hard look at other potential kickers during the offseason. Whether it’s bringing in a veteran kicker or scouting a promising prospect, the priority should be finding someone who can confidently execute when called upon. The 49ers have enough talent on their roster to compete for a championship, but the kicker position remains a glaring weakness that must be addressed. Letting go of Jake Moody may be difficult, but it’s a necessary step for the franchise to regain its competitive edge and restore faith in its special teams.