Jake Moody Released: 49ers Cut Struggling Kicker After Week 1 Misses

The San Francisco 49ers have released kicker Jake Moody. The move comes after the third-year player missed two field goals in the Week 1 win over the Seattle Seahawks. According to CBS Sports, the team decided to move on from Moody just two years after drafting him in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Moody’s release ends a rocky tenure in San Francisco. He connected on just 74.2% of his field goal attempts across two full seasons. The 49ers will now search for a replacement ahead of Sunday’s matchup against the New Orleans Saints.

Jake Moody’s Numbers Tell the Story

Moody missed a 27-yard field goal in the second quarter against Seattle. He also had a 36-yard attempt blocked later in the game. While he did make a 32-yard kick to tie the score at 10-10, the mistakes added to a troubling pattern.

The Michigan product was the first kicker selected in the 2023 draft. He made 21 of 25 attempts during his rookie year, showing promise early. But he struggled badly in 2024, hitting only 24 of 34 kicks. He was perfect inside 40 yards but converted just half of his tries from beyond 40.

According to Reuters, the 49ers felt they could no longer rely on his leg in key moments. With championship aspirations, the franchise is unwilling to gamble on inconsistency.

San Francisco’s Next Steps at Kicker

The 49ers are expected to bring in free-agent kickers for tryouts this week. The team needs a reliable option before facing the Saints. Special teams stability is often overlooked, but missed kicks can swing playoff races.

For Moody, the release may not mark the end of his NFL career. Other teams in need of competition may offer him a chance. But for San Francisco, the focus is now on finding a steady replacement.

The decision highlights how quickly teams move when specialists falter. Even high draft picks have little margin for error at such a critical position. The 49ers’ move sends a message about accountability and urgency.

Jake Moody released by the 49ers is a turning point for both sides. The team wants consistency. Moody now faces the challenge of reviving his career elsewhere.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Why did the 49ers release Jake Moody?

The 49ers cut him after he missed two field goals in Week 1 and struggled in 2024. His overall accuracy dropped to 74.2%.

Q2: What round was Jake Moody drafted in?

He was selected in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He was also the first kicker taken in that class.

Q3: How many career field goals did Moody make?

He went 46-for-62 during his time with the 49ers. That includes a 21-for-25 rookie season and a difficult 2024 season.

Q4: Who will replace Jake Moody for the 49ers?

The team is expected to hold kicker tryouts this week. A signing is likely before their game against the Saints.

Q5: Will Jake Moody get another NFL chance?

It is possible. Teams with kicking issues may give him an opportunity to compete for a roster spot.