Jake Moody wins 49ers' kicking competition for now after Greg Joseph is released

Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, August 4th 2025 at 17:19 GMT by Associated Press
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Jake Moody has won the San Francisco 49ers' kicking competition for now. The 49ers released veteran Greg Joseph on Monday, leaving Moody as the only kicker on the roster as he tries to bounce back from a rough second season in the NFL. Coach Kyle Shanahan said the decision was made in large part because the Niners had 18 players out of practice dealing with various injuries and the team couldn't afford to keep two kickers.

Jake Moody Secures Starting Kicker Role for San Francisco 49ers

In a significant development for the San Francisco 49ers' special teams unit, rookie kicker Jake Moody has officially won the starting job, edging out veteran competitor Zane Gonzalez in what proved to be a closely contested battle during training camp and the preseason. This decision marks a bold move by the 49ers' coaching staff, who are placing their trust in a first-year player to handle one of the most pressure-packed positions in football. Moody, selected in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft out of the University of Michigan, brings a pedigree of collegiate success and a powerful leg that the team hopes will stabilize their kicking game after years of inconsistency.

The competition between Moody and Gonzalez was one of the more intriguing storylines for the 49ers heading into the season. Gonzalez, a seasoned pro with experience across multiple teams including the Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers, was signed by San Francisco to provide a reliable veteran presence and challenge the rookie. Throughout the offseason workouts, organized team activities (OTAs), and minicamp, both kickers showcased their abilities, but it was during the full pads of training camp that the real evaluation began. The 49ers' special teams coordinator, Brian Schneider, emphasized the importance of consistency under pressure, and the team simulated game-like scenarios to test their mettle.

Moody's journey to this point has been nothing short of impressive. At Michigan, he established himself as one of the top kickers in college football history. He was a two-time Lou Groza Award winner, recognizing him as the nation's best placekicker, and he holds the Wolverines' all-time records for points scored and field goals made. His accuracy from long range was particularly noteworthy; Moody nailed field goals from beyond 50 yards with regularity, including a memorable 59-yarder in a crucial game. This long-distance prowess was a key factor in the 49ers' decision to draft him higher than most kickers typically go—third round, pick No. 99—signaling their high expectations and willingness to invest premium draft capital in special teams.

During the preseason games, Moody demonstrated why the 49ers were so enamored with him. In his debut against the Las Vegas Raiders, he connected on all three field goal attempts, including a 51-yarder that sailed through the uprights with room to spare. His performance was steady, showing poise beyond his years. Against the Denver Broncos in the second preseason matchup, Moody again impressed, making both of his field goal tries and handling kickoffs with authority. His ability to generate hang time and distance on kickoffs could prove valuable in limiting return opportunities for opponents, an area where the 49ers have sought improvement.

Gonzalez, on the other hand, brought a wealth of NFL experience to the table. With over 100 field goal attempts in his career, he offered the reliability that comes from having been in high-stakes situations. However, his preseason showings were marred by a couple of misses that raised concerns. In one game, he pushed a 40-yard attempt wide right, a distance that should be automatic for a veteran. While Gonzalez rebounded with some solid makes, including a 48-yarder, the coaching staff appeared to favor Moody's upside and consistency in clutch moments. Head coach Kyle Shanahan, known for his meticulous approach to roster decisions, noted that the choice came down to who could best contribute to the team's Super Bowl aspirations. "We need someone who can make those big kicks when it matters most," Shanahan said in a post-practice press conference, without naming names but clearly alluding to the competition.

The decision to go with Moody isn't without risks. Kicking in the NFL is notoriously unforgiving, and rookies often face a steep learning curve. The 49ers have experienced their share of kicking woes in recent years. From the Robbie Gould era, where he provided stability and clutch performances, including in playoff runs, the team has cycled through several options since his departure. Last season, they relied on a combination of kickers, which led to inconsistencies that occasionally cost them points in tight games. By drafting Moody, general manager John Lynch and the front office are betting on youth and potential over proven but perhaps plateaued experience. This move aligns with the 49ers' philosophy of building a roster with long-term pieces, especially as they chase another deep playoff run with stars like Brock Purdy, Christian McCaffrey, and Nick Bosa leading the way.

Beyond his on-field performance, Moody's mental makeup has been praised by teammates and coaches alike. Quarterback Brock Purdy, who has quickly become the face of the franchise, commented on Moody's composure. "He's got that ice in his veins," Purdy said. "You can tell he's been in big games before, and that's huge for us." Special teams players, including long snapper Taybor Pepper and punter Mitch Wishnowsky, have also integrated well with Moody, forming a cohesive unit that's essential for successful kicking operations. The chemistry between the snapper, holder, and kicker can make or break field goal attempts, and early signs indicate that this trio is gelling nicely.

Looking ahead, Moody's role will be critical in a division as competitive as the NFC West, where games often come down to the wire. The 49ers open their season against the Pittsburgh Steelers, a matchup that could feature adverse weather conditions at Acrisure Stadium, testing Moody's adaptability. Subsequent games against rivals like the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks will further challenge his mettle. If Moody can maintain the accuracy he showed in college—where he converted over 82% of his field goals—and translate it to the pros, he could become a cornerstone for the 49ers for years to come.

This isn't just a win for Moody personally; it's a validation of the 49ers' scouting and drafting process. Selecting a kicker in the third round was met with some skepticism from fans and analysts, who argued that such a high pick could have been used on a position player with more immediate impact. However, Lynch defended the choice, pointing to successful precedents like Justin Tucker, who was undrafted but became a Hall of Fame-caliber kicker for the Baltimore Ravens. "We believe in Jake's talent and work ethic," Lynch stated. "He's going to be a weapon for us."

As the regular season approaches, the focus shifts from competition to execution. Moody will need to block out the noise and perform under the bright lights of Levi's Stadium and on the road. The 49ers' fanbase, known for its passion, will be watching closely, hoping that this rookie can deliver in moments that echo the team's storied history of dramatic field goals—like Adam Vinatieri's famous kicks in Super Bowls, though Moody is carving his own path.

In the broader context of the NFL, this decision highlights the evolving importance of special teams. Teams are increasingly investing in kickers who can not only make routine kicks but also flip field position with booming kickoffs under the league's new rules emphasizing touchbacks and fair catches. Moody's leg strength positions him well in this regard, potentially giving the 49ers an edge in starting field position battles.

Ultimately, Jake Moody's ascension to the starting kicker spot represents a fresh chapter for the San Francisco 49ers. With a talented roster poised for contention, the kicking game could be the difference between a good season and a championship one. As training camp wraps up and the roster is finalized, all eyes will be on Moody to prove that the faith placed in him was well-deserved. His story is one of perseverance, from college stardom to NFL opportunity, and it underscores the unpredictable nature of professional football where rookies can rise to prominence overnight.

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Jake Moody wins 49ers' kicking competition for now after Greg Joseph is released

Jake Moody Secures Starting Kicker Role for San Francisco 49ers