The San Francisco 49ers aren't ruling out kicker Jake Moody returning in 2025, but they're also not ruling out a new kicker coming in and taking the starting job.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan on Tuesday at the NFL's annual league meeting told reporters the team will aim to add competition for Moody after the second-year kicker struggled badly last season. Moody, a third-round pick in the 2023 draft, had an up-and-down rookie season where he was ultimately good enough to keep his job for a second season after winning the job over Zane Gonzalez in the offseason.
Moody's second year was worse than his first and featured 10 misses in 34 attempts. His 70.6 field goal percentage was the lowest by any kicker with at least 34 attempts since 2012. He dealt with a high ankle sprain and a midseason change at holder when punter Mitch Wishnowsky went down with a back injury.
It makes sense the 49ers wouldn't want to wholesale cut ties with Moody. He responded last offseason after the 49ers traded for Gonzalez. Shanahan is hoping for a similar response when they acquire another kicker this offseason.
“When you’re job is on the line, going against someone who’s talented, you do feel that pressure,” Shanahan said via the Mercury News. “I do believe if you can overcome that and beat out a capable guy, that will show us he’s capable for the season.”
It's unclear where the 49ers will look to add a kicker. They could conceivably do so via the draft, but that appears unlikely given their needs at so many other positions. A trade could be in the works like the one we saw for Gonzalez a season ago. The undrafted rookie and free agent pools should also be open for them.
This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers will add competition for player who struggled badly in 2024
