San Francisco 49ers to Introduce Competition for Kicker Jake Moody Following 2025 NFL Draft
The San Francisco 49ers are set to bring in a veteran kicker to compete with Jake Moody after the 2025 NFL Draft, as announced by head coach Kyle Shanahan.
Jake Moody’s Performance and Challenges
Drafted in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Jake Moody had a promising start, converting 21 of 25 field goal attempts and leading the league with 60 of 61 extra points made during his rookie season. However, his performance declined in 2024, with a field goal success rate of 70.6%, ranking 32nd in the NFL. Moody also missed three games due to a high ankle sprain, during which replacements Matthew Wright and Anders Carlson successfully made all their field goal attempts.
49ers’ Strategy for Kicker Position
In light of Moody’s inconsistent performance, Coach Shanahan emphasized the importance of competition to enhance in-game pressure handling. The team intends to sign a respected veteran kicker post-draft to challenge Moody during the offseason.
Potential Veteran Kicker Options
Several veteran kickers are available in free agency who could provide the desired competition:
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Nick Folk: At 40, Folk led the NFL in field goal percentage over the past two seasons with the Tennessee Titans, achieving 96.7% in 2023 and 95.5% in 2024
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Brandon McManus: Formerly with the Denver Broncos and Green Bay Packers, McManus posted a career-best 95.2% field goal success rate in 2024.
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Joey Slye: A journeyman kicker with experience on multiple teams, including a brief stint with the 49ers in 2021, Slye has demonstrated reliability in various roles.
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Zane Gonzalez: Acquired by the 49ers in 2023 before an injury sidelined him, Gonzalez returned to play six games for the Washington Commanders in 2024.
Implications for the 49ers
Introducing competition at the kicker position underscores the 49ers’ commitment to enhancing special teams performance. While Moody has shown potential, the addition of a seasoned kicker aims to foster improvement and consistency. This move reflects the team’s proactive approach to addressing roster challenges and maintaining competitiveness in the NFL.
