49ers kickstart new era with Eddy Pineiro as they part ways with struggling Jake Moody
The San Francisco 49ers have officially turned the page, ushering in a new era at the kicker position with the addition of Eddy Pineiro. This move comes on the heels of the team’s decision to part ways with Jake Moody, their third-round draft pick in 2023, who has struggled significantly since entering the league.
Jake Moody’s Downfall
Moody’s tenure with the 49ers took a dramatic turn this week as he was waived following a dismal stretch that saw him convert just 12 of his last 23 field goal attempts. His performance in Week 1 was particularly concerning; he missed a 27-yard attempt and had a 36-yarder blocked, highlighting the urgency for change.
In his rookie season, Moody had an impressive 84% success rate on field goals, but that number plummeted to 70% in 2024, raising alarms among the coaching staff. His inability to regain form ultimately sealed his fate with the franchise, marking a disappointing end to what was expected to be a promising career.
Introducing Eddy Pineiro
Stepping into the spotlight is Eddy Pineiro, a 30-year-old kicker who celebrated his birthday just days ago. Hailing from Miami, Pineiro made his mark in college football at the University of Florida before entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Chicago Bears in 2019. During his time with the Bears, he demonstrated his potential by making 23 of 28 field goals.
Pineiro’s journey has included a year off the field in 2020 and a brief stint with the New York Jets in 2021. However, the last three seasons saw him find stability and success as the kicker for the Carolina Panthers, where he posted impressive field goal percentages of 94.3%, 86.2%, and 84.6%.
Throughout his career, Pineiro boasts an impressive overall field goal conversion rate of 88.1% and a 92.1% success rate on extra points. His FG percentage ranks fourth in NFL history, making him a valuable addition to the 49ers’ roster.
Looking Ahead
The 49ers are clearly banking on Pineiro to stabilize their kicking game, especially after Moody’s struggles. With the team eager to build momentum this season, the hope is that Pineiro can bring reliability and consistency to the position. As the 49ers prepare for their upcoming games, all eyes will be on their new kicker to see if he can rise to the occasion and help the team achieve its goals.
