In a move that stunned fans and analysts alike, the San Francisco 49ers have officially decided to stick with Jake Moody as their starting kicker, releasing veteran Greg Joseph ahead of the regular season. The decision has stirred up passionate reactions throughout the NFL community, given Joseph’s experience and the rollercoaster rookie year Moody had in 2023.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed the media shortly after the news broke and offered a simple but pointed statement: “Moody has a lot of talent and he’s kicking the ball really well right now and hopefully that continues.” That one line has sparked an avalanche of debate. Is this a bold endorsement of a promising young leg—or a gamble on potential over proven reliability?
Jake Moody, the 2023 third-round draft pick out of Michigan, had a tumultuous start to his NFL career, marked by missed kicks early on and mounting pressure from fans and media. But his form improved later in the season, and it seems that upward trend has continued into training camp. Reports from camp suggest Moody has been near-perfect in recent practices, showcasing consistency and range.
Greg Joseph, on the other hand, was brought in as a steadying presence. The former Vikings kicker had a solid track record in high-pressure situations and was thought by many to be the frontrunner to take the job if Moody faltered. His release signifies more than just a depth chart adjustment—it shows that the 49ers coaching staff believes Moody has turned a corner.
This decision is especially striking considering the stakes for the 49ers heading into 2025. With Super Bowl aspirations and a roster loaded with talent on both sides of the ball, special teams is no place for experimentation. And yet, Shanahan and special teams coordinator Brian Schneider appear confident that Moody has not only regained form but matured in his mental approach to the game.
Fans are divided. Social media has been ablaze with reactions, from those applauding the team’s belief in Moody’s potential to others lamenting what they view as an unnecessary risk. “It feels like déjà vu,” one fan posted on X (formerly Twitter). “We’ve seen rookie kickers burn teams in the playoffs. Hope this doesn’t bite us later.”
It’s worth noting that this decision might have cap implications as well. Joseph’s contract, although not massive, was fully guaranteed if he made the Week 1 roster. Moody, on a rookie deal, is a cheaper long-term option if he continues to perform well. In a league driven by both performance and budget constraints, that likely played a part.
For Moody, this is both a vindication and a challenge. The organization has placed its faith in him—but that faith comes with expectations. Every kick he makes—or misses—will be dissected under a microscope. But for now, he’s earned the trust of Shanahan and his teammates, which is no small feat in the pressure cooker that is the NFL.
Joseph’s release may not be the end of his NFL journey. A kicker with his resume is unlikely to remain a free agent for long, and several teams are still unsettled at the position. For the 49ers, however, the message is clear: they’re all-in on Jake Moody. Now, it’s up to him to make them right.
Whether this decision proves to be genius or folly remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the 49ers have made their choice, and in true Kyle Shanahan fashion, they’re not looking back.
