Kicker Jake Moody struggled in his second NFL season, converting just 24 of 34 field goal attempts. His inconsistency likely cost the San Francisco 49ers key victories and frustrated fans.
All of Moody's missed field goals came from 40 yards or longer, with most occurring after Week 10, following his return from a high-ankle sprain. While the 49ers acknowledged that the injury likely played a role in his struggles, they clearly needed to address the position this offseason.
At the NFL's annual meeting in Florida on Tuesday, head coach Kyle Shanahan clarified the team's kicker situation heading into the 2025 season. While the 49ers haven't given up on Moody, they plan to bring in competition to strengthen the position.
"Yeah, we're going to bring someone else in," Shanahan said. "I know we weren't going to go out and sign a guy right away in free agency, but I know [special teams coordinator] Brant [Boyer] and [assistant special teams coach] Colt [Anderson] are looking into some kickers throughout all these kicking camps, throughout the colleges and stuff.
"But we'd more likely like to add in a veteran, and hopefully, get him in here after draft time."
Shanahan emphasized that this will be a true competition, extending through the offseason and preseason games.
"As long as we bring in a guy who's capable of taking that job, and Jake respects him, that's what puts pressure on him because you've got to respect the guy you're going against," Shanahan said. "And he does have to beat him out in practice. Yeah, the games will happen once the season starts, but the preseason will be there. And when your job's on the line doing something, going against someone who's talented, you do feel that pressure.
"And I do believe if he can overcome that, and beat out a capable guy, that'll show us he's ready for the season."