Jake Moody will remain as kicker for the San Francisco 49ers after a competitive preseason. President and general manager John Lynch addressed the recent evaluation of Moody and veteran Greg Joseph, explaining the organization’s decision to keep Moody as the starting kicker.
Moody had a standout rookie season, converting 21 out of 25 field goals and leading the league with 60 made extra points. However, his performance dropped in his second season, with a conversion rate of 70.6 percent on field goals during a year when San Francisco finished with a 6-11 record following its Super Bowl appearance.
In this year’s preseason, Moody surpassed Joseph by converting five of six extra point attempts and making six out of seven field goal tries during three games. One highlight included his game-winning 59-yard field goal against the Las Vegas Raiders in a close 22-19 victory.
Lynch said he was surprised by public criticism given Moody’s performance in recent games: “Jake had a really good preseason,” Lynch said. “I found it interesting that, after having a hell of a game in Las Vegas, a lot of people still have questions.”
Last season, Moody successfully made all but one field goal inside 40 yards (14 for 14 last season and all but one of his forty-six attempts from inside that mark in 2024). He missed some time due to an ankle injury, which may have impacted his accuracy late in the season.
Lynch acknowledged the challenges Moody faced: “I guess when you have a season like he did last year, those things are going to be there until you kind of put that away (…) We got a lot of belief in him, and understand that last year was rough, but that happens in guy’s careers.” The team remains confident despite fans’ concerns over his previous struggles.
Addressing speculation about whether there was genuine competition at kicker this preseason—given Joseph’s release on Aug. 4—Lynch responded: “I think it was an excellent competition between him and Joseph (…) We didn’t want that competition to end, but anyone who says it wasn’t a competition, I don’t really agree.”
Moody’s position for the upcoming season is also tied to expectations that he return to his initial level of performance. Lynch stated: “Our confidence and belief in him is what we see out here (…) But everything is earned in this league in each and every game, each and every year, and Jake understands that.”
San Francisco’s choice shows continued faith in Moody based on both potential and past achievements as they prepare for the new NFL campaign.
