49ers Part Ways with Jake Moody Following Struggles in Kicking Game
San Francisco’s decision to part ways with Jake Moody after just one game into his third season marks a significant moment for the franchise. The 49ers, who selected Moody in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, have made the difficult choice to waive the kicker, a position that is often under scrutiny in high-pressure situations.
Struggles on the Field
Since Week 10 of the previous season, Moody’s performance has been troubling. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Moody converted only 12 of 23 field goal attempts, resulting in a dismal 52% success rate. This figure falls more than 11% below the average for other kickers who have attempted at least 10 field goals during that period.
In the 49ers’ recent game, Moody’s challenges were glaring. He missed a crucial 27-yard attempt in the first half, only to have a 36-yard kick blocked in the second half. These missteps made him the first San Francisco kicker to miss two attempts from inside 40 yards in a single game since 2006, further highlighting the team’s ongoing kicking woes.
Declining Performance
Moody’s rookie season showed promise, as he successfully made 84% of his field goals. However, that percentage plummeted to 70% in 2024, which is considered alarmingly low for a kicker at this level. His struggles in Week 1 proved to be the final straw for the 49ers, leading to his departure from the team.
Future Prospects
While kicker positions are always in demand, it’s uncertain whether Moody will be claimed off waivers. Despite his pedigree, teams may hesitate given his recent performance. Speculation surrounds the 49ers’ potential replacement, with reports linking them to Greg Joseph, a kicker who spent time with San Francisco during the summer. However, no formal announcement has been made regarding his signing.
As the dust settles on this decision, the 49ers move forward, hoping to stabilize their kicking game and avoid further disruptions as they pursue their goals for the season.
