The 49ers announced that Gonzalez was acquired in exchange for a conditional swap of late-round picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. The kicker must pass a physical for the trade to be executed.
The Cleveland Browns made Gonzalez (6-0, 200) a seventh-round selection (No. 224 overall) out of Arizona State in 2017. He made 20-of-22 field goal attempts (90.9 percent) through 12 game appearances with the Panthers in 2021, per Pro Football Reference.
Gonzalez did not appear in a game last season. The kicker landed on injured reserve after suffering a quad injury ahead of the last preseason game.
The move likely officially marks the end of the Robbie Gould era in Santa Clara. Earlier this month, Gould told ESPN that he planned to test free agency and play elsewhere in 2023. The statement came after general manager John Lynch admitted that the 49ers are evaluating kickers in next month's draft. Still, some saw the rift as a potential negotiating tactic between the two sides.
"Robbie is still very much in the picture," general manager John Lynch said. "He's been tremendous for us, so we'll see where we go on that."
The 40-year-old Gould remains a free agent.
Gonzalez, 27, has made 91-of-113 field goal attempts (80.5 percent) in 63 game appearances throughout his NFL career.