Aug 9, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers kicker Jake Moody (4) stands on the sidelines in the third quarter during a game against the Denver Broncos at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
The San Francisco 49ers have waived kicker Jake Moody following a disappointing start to the season, according to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero. Moody’s struggles were highlighted during a narrow 17-13 victory against the Seattle Seahawks on September 7, 2025, where he converted only one of three field-goal attempts.
Moody, a third-round draft pick in 2023, spent two seasons with the 49ers, but his performance declined significantly. In his rookie year, he successfully completed 21 of 25 field goals, including a long kick of 57 yards. He also made all three of his attempts during Super Bowl LVIII, despite having one extra-point attempt blocked. However, his second season was marred by inconsistency; he converted just 24 of 34 field goals, with a long of 53 yards, and missed three games due to a high ankle sprain.
During the recent game against Seattle, Moody’s performance was particularly crucial. He missed a 27-yard field goal attempt that struck the left upright, costing the team vital points in a close game. This miss altered the team’s strategy, forcing them to rely on a game-winning drive. His second attempt was blocked, further compounding the 49ers’ scoring difficulties.
In response to Moody’s performance issues, the 49ers have signed veteran kicker Eddy Pineiro to a one-year contract. Pineiro finished last season as the third-most accurate kicker in NFL history, making this a significant move for the team as they aim to stabilize their special teams unit.
The decision to part ways with Moody reflects the high-pressure environment of professional sports, where performance directly impacts job security. The 49ers recognized the need for more reliable kicking, especially in tight games where every point counts.
This shift represents not just a personnel change but also a strategic adjustment for the 49ers, who seek to enhance their scoring efficiency moving forward. The organization hopes that Pineiro will provide the consistency necessary to help them compete effectively in the upcoming matches.
