A seismic shift occurred within the San Francisco 49ers organization when the team officially waived kicker Jake Moody on September 9, 2025. The move came swiftly on the heels of an underwhelming performance in Week 1, where Moody, aged 25, struggled with consistency—missing a relatively short 27‑yard attempt and suffering a blocked 36‑yard try, finishing the game just 1-for‑3 on field goals
Moody’s departure marks the end of a tumultuous two-plus seasons in the Bay Area. A third-round pick in 2023, selected 99th overall, he entered the league with high expectations as the highest-drafted kicker in several years—a gamble that would ultimately prove costly
In his rookie year, he delivered a promising performance—converting 21 of 25 field goals. But his sophomore season was marred by a steep decline, as he made just 14 of 24 attempts. Notably, he struggled from 40 yards and beyond, going 16-for-29 in that range over his career Despite flashes of brilliance—such as establishing a then‑Super Bowl record with a 55‑yard field goal in Super Bowl LVIII—those moments were eclipsed by erratic accuracy
Expectations for the 2025 season had been cautiously optimistic. The coaching staff initiated kicking competition during the offseason, signing veteran Greg Joseph to push Moody. Although Moody ultimately prevailed in that contest—earning the job after Joseph’s release—his hold on the position always felt tenuousEven after shining in a preseason with five successful field goals out of six, doubts lingered
Nonetheless, the 49ers’ patience frayed quickly. In the Week 1 matchup in Seattle, Moody missed a winnable 27‑yard attempt, had another blocked due to poor line protection, and barely redeemed himself with a 32‑yard field goal to tie the game at 10‑10. He made all his extra points, but the damage was done . Across 32 career games, he’d converted just 74.2% of his field goals—far below league standards—though his extra-point rate remained robust at 97.9%
The 49ers acted quickly: on the same day they cut Moody, they signed veteran kicker Eddy Pineiro. At age 29, Pineiro brought proven accuracy to the mix—boasting a career field-goal percentage of 88.1%, ranking fourth-best in NFL history among kickers with over 100 attempts. His 2022 season had been stellar: converting 94.3% of field goals, second-best that year
Other roster complications factored into this decision: tight end George Kittle was placed on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury, and wide receiver Jauan Jennings was deemed day-to-day with a shoulder issue. Quarterback Brock Purdy’s availability was also clouded by multiple ailments. In this context, the 49ers needed stability from special teams—something Moody could no longer provide (New York Post).
This sequence underlines the brutal reality of NFL roster management: lofty draft status and early promise offer only temporary shelter from performance issues. Although head coach Kyle Shanahan had previously publicly endorsed Moody, the team swiftly pivoted when reliability became nonnegotiable (The Sun, New York Post).
From a wider lens, this situation encapsulates the 49ers’ balancing act between forward-looking ambition and pragmatic demands. The franchise invested a high draft pick in Moody—choosing potential over proven experience. When that gamble yielded too many misses, with substantial consequences in close games, the willingness to cut bait emerged quickly. The kicker position, unlike many others, accommodates no transition—missed opportunities directly alter game outcomes. Hence, despite Moody’s initial promise and affiliation to Michigan, the 49ers moved on without hesitation
Looking at the human side, one must consider the mental toll. Reddit fans documented the emotional rollercoaster: some lamented the team’s handling of Moody’s injury and recovery timeline, suggesting mismanagement contributed to erosion of confidence and performance. One wrote, “Moody was fine as a rookie … his injury was mismanaged, and that’s on coaching and the training staff as much as it is on the player” (Reddit). Another reflected ambivalently, “Moody will always be 100% Kyle’s guy, until he isn’t” (Reddit). Those sentiments reveal a complex relationship between fanbase and player: hope tinged with frustration, loyalty diluted by results.
Fans also reminisce nostalgically about his flashes of brilliance—super-bowl kicks, pre-injury form—calling him “Money Moody” or “Pure Moods” (Reddit). Yet, those brighter moments seem distant now, drowned by inconsistency and crucial failures in clutch situations.
Looking ahead, it’s clear the 49ers are banking on veteran steadiness. Pineiro’s track record provides that, though success is never guaranteed, especially in hostile environments and high-pressure moments. His signing speaks volumes: experience and accuracy have supplanted potential and past flashes. The question now is whether Pineiro can rack up more highlights than heartbreaks—but for the moment, the franchise has shifted direction decidedly.
Meanwhile, Moody faces an uncertain future: waived and exposed to the league’s volatile waiver process, he’ll either be claimed by another team or enter free agency. It’s a pivotal moment—a crossroads for a former high pick whose NFL life now hinges on second chances and new beginnings.
In summary, the release of Jake Moody is a cautionary tale of early promise colliding with heightened expectations and unforgiving performance metrics. From a promising rookie season to a faltering sophomore year, and ultimately a Week 1 downfall that sealed his fate, the arc of Moody’s 49ers tenure is swift and unmoving. As the chapter closes on Moody in San Francisco, a new one begins—for both him and his replacement, in a franchise always chasing its next Super Bowl push.
Let me know if you’d like a breakdown of Pineiro’s career or how the 49ers’ roster might shift in the coming weeks.
