Jake Moody has become a polarizing figure among San Francisco 49ers fans. After a challenging 2024 season, most call for the former third-round draft pick to be removed from the roster. However, when asked about the kicker's future, a surprising number of fans expressed a willingness to give Moody one more chance.
Moody struggled throughout the season, converting just 24 of his 34 field goal attempts, a performance that likely cost the 49ers key victories. All of his missed field goals came from 40 yards or longer, with the majority occurring after Week 10, following his return from a high-ankle sprain.
Heading into the season's final game, Moody reflected on his slump, admitting, "Definitely probably one of the lowest times in my career, dating back to when I first started football."
The 49ers recently hired Brant Boyer as their new special teams coordinator, replacing Brian Schneider, who played a key role in the decision to draft Moody. With Boyer taking over, fans wonder how the team plans to handle the struggling young kicker.
We polled fans, asking if the 49ers should give Moody another season to prove himself. While the vast majority voted to move on, a significant portion of the fanbase advocated for giving Moody more time to turn things around.
Should the #49ers give Jake Moody another season to prove himself?
— 49ers Webzone (@49erswebzone) January 27, 2025
The 49ers' plan for Moody remains unclear. In December, head coach Kyle Shanahan compared Moody's struggles to those of kicker Graham Gano during his early years with Washington. Shanahan revealed that, during Gano's struggles, he had pushed to move on from the kicker while then-head coach Mike Shanahan insisted on giving him more time to develop.
Washington ultimately parted ways with Gano after additional missed field goals cost the team games. However, Gano went on to become one of the NFL's top kickers.
"But two years later, that guy was the highest-paid kicker in the league and going to Pro Bowls," Shanahan explained. "So he was right. We had to be patient. But how long can you do it? And so, I think that's just what's tough with that position. There's no backups and stuff like that, so that's what the challenge is."
Naturally, fans had plenty to say about Moody's future. Below are some of their reactions.
Keep him, but bring in another kicker and have them compete for the position
— Let Him In!!!! (@The_Fiend666) January 27, 2025
They definitely need to add true competition if they are going to keep him another year.
— Joaquin (@niner_1) January 27, 2025
Who tf is saying yes
— LA 49er fan (@Jpd2018) January 27, 2025
Give him another chance under the new special team's coach
— Monster Hunter Fan05 (@Nintendo_fan80) January 27, 2025
Costing the team 55 points is too much.
— James (@Alan4668) January 27, 2025
Would rather have a kicker more accurate from 45 yards than a shaky kicker who can hit from 55.
— jeremy harlen (@jharlen00) January 27, 2025
I still believed in him, even after the Bucs game. But the end of the year was the breaking point. He has no confidence left, you can't trust him.
— Dick Soliloquy (@profdicks) January 27, 2025
