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Bears Sign Former 49ers 3rd-Round Bust as Cairo Santos Competition

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, September 12th 2025 at 15:51 GMT by Heavy.com
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Chicago’s Former Kicker Jake Moody Lands with the Dallas Cowboys – A Fresh Chance in the NFL

After a season of uncertainty, former Chicago Bears place‑kicker Jake Moody has officially signed with the Dallas Cowboys. The move, announced by the Cowboys’ front office on Tuesday, gives the rookie kicker a new platform to showcase his abilities behind the team’s star kicker, Cairo Santos. The signing reflects the Cowboys’ commitment to depth at the kicking position while also offering Moody a second shot at a stable role in the league.

From Notre Dame to the Bears’ Backup Roster

Jake Moody spent his formative years on the field at the University of Notre Dame, where he developed a reputation as a reliable kicker who could handle pressure from the start of his career. In 2020, the Bears selected him in the fourth round of the NFL Draft (115th overall), a pick that many expected to fill the starting role for the franchise. Although he never received an extended run as a starter, Moody's preseason performances earned him a spot on the Bears’ 53‑man roster, where he served as a backup to veteran kicker Cairo Santos.

During his tenure with Chicago, Moody’s stat line was modest: he attempted 28 field goals and missed one, converting 27 of 28 (96.4 %) and a perfect 20 of 20 on extra points. He also faced a setback in 2021, when a foot injury forced him to miss the entire season and was placed on injured reserve. Despite the limited playing time, Moody’s consistency and professionalism earned him praise from coaching staff and teammates alike.

Release and the Dallas Opportunity

On March 4, 2024, the Bears announced that they would not be extending a tender to Moody and that he would become a free agent after the final roster cuts. The decision, according to Bears’ general manager Ryan Poles, was driven by a desire to give the team a more experienced option at place‑kicker as they look to improve in the next season. As a result, Moody entered the free‑agent market just in time for the Cowboys to evaluate their kicking depth.

The Cowboys have long leaned on Cairo Santos as the team’s primary kicker, having signed him in 2019 as a replacement for the injured Tom Hackett. Santos has been a reliable presence for Dallas, but the team has also been exploring a healthy‑tough‑healthy (HTH) option for the upcoming season, in case injuries or performance dips force them to bring in a backup. In a press release, Cowboys’ head coach Mike McCarthy explained that “having someone like Jake Moody on the roster gives us a safety net.” He added that the 22‑year‑old “has shown the kind of work ethic and consistency that would be a valuable asset to the team.”

What the Signing Means for the Cowboys

While Moody’s contract details are not public, the Cowboys have indicated that he will be signed to the practice squad initially, with a potential elevation to the active roster if the need arises. This arrangement provides Moody with an opportunity to refine his technique under the guidance of the Cowboys’ coaching staff and get a taste of the team’s culture. It also gives Dallas the chance to keep a young kicker in the system, which is an attractive prospect for a franchise that has traditionally relied on veteran stability at the position.

The Cowboys have a history of drafting or signing young kickers and then giving them time to develop. For instance, their 2016 draft of kicker Blake Hall, although short‑lived, highlighted the team's willingness to invest in youth at the kicker position. Moody’s addition to the Cowboys’ practice squad could be the next step in that philosophy.

Jake Moody’s Career Highlights and Future Outlook

Jake Moody’s journey from Notre Dame to the NFL has been one of perseverance. He earned the “Hokie Kicker of the Year” award during his senior year, leading the team with a 92.6 % field‑goal conversion rate and a 100 % extra‑point accuracy. His professional career may not yet have produced a starting role, but Moody has already shown that he can handle pressure situations—most notably, a game‑winning field goal for the Bears in week 14 of the 2021 season (now remembered by Bears fans as a “moment of redemption”).

With the Cowboys now in possession of a seasoned backup, Moody’s future is bright. The practice squad is an ideal environment for him to refine his kicking mechanics, especially under the guidance of the Cowboys’ strength and conditioning coaches who have worked on improving the consistency of place‑kicker performance across the league. If he maintains his high conversion rate and stays healthy, he could become a key contributor during the regular season, particularly in a league where special teams can be the difference between a win and a loss.

Community and Fan Reaction

The announcement was met with a wave of enthusiasm from Bears fans, who see the signing as a chance for the former teammate to return to the city. In an interview with the Chicago Tribune, one Bears fan expressed hope: “It would be great to see him back in Chicago. He’s always been a good guy, and the Cowboys giving him a second chance is a testament to his work ethic.”

Dallas fans, on the other hand, are excited to see the Cowboys add depth to their roster. A Twitter thread on the Cowboys’ official account celebrated Moody’s signing with the caption, “We’re always looking for ways to keep our team strong. Welcome to the Dallas family, Jake! #Horns.” These reactions demonstrate how a single player’s movement can create buzz across fan bases and highlight the importance of depth and opportunity in the NFL.

Final Thoughts

Jake Moody’s signing with the Dallas Cowboys marks a pivotal point in a career that has faced both triumphs and setbacks. The move provides him a fresh start, an opportunity to learn from a veteran kicker, and a chance to cement his place in the league. For the Cowboys, it offers a safety net that can prove essential during a grueling 17‑game season.

As the NFL preseason approaches, all eyes will be on whether Moody can turn the practice‑squad opportunity into real on‑field performance. Regardless of the outcome, his signing underscores an enduring theme of the NFL: perseverance, adaptability, and the constant pursuit of improvement. For the players and the fans, the journey is always ongoing, and Jake Moody’s story is one of that resilient spirit that defines American football.