Already, the San Francisco 49ers have made it clear that kicker Jake Moody is no longer viewed as a definite answer. This was followed up by the team bringing in Kenny Almendares, who was one of the most exciting kicking prospects this offseason. This gives the team an early chance to evaluate the kicker in rookie minicamp and perhaps decide if it is indeed time to move on from Moody.
What the team's intentions are at the position remains a bit of a contradiction with the latest comments indicating the team expects Moody to start the 2025 season. While there isn't any denying this possibility, there is a very real chance as well that Moody is cut if the team finds confidence in Almendares. This franchise must find every possible way to improve after a complete failure of the 2024 season.
Jake Moody Could Be On His Way Out the Door After a Shaky 2024 Campaign
The confidence of a kicker is an elusive quality that can be found and lost without warning. It is very possible the 49ers decide in the next few weeks who they want to move forward with. Despite bringing in someone to compete with Moody, what the team should do is clear.
If they have lost confidence in the kicker, there is no reason to go through a forced competition. Go ahead and allow Moody the chance to find another landing spot if you believe it is time to move on. Even if the young prospect isn't an answer, there are a myriad of options remaining on the market, including the recently released Zane Gonzalez, who was replaced by Matt Gay in Washington.
The 49ers owe it to the fanbase to look for every possible way to improve in what appears to be a quickly closing Super Bowl window. A team that is always just a step short of winning it all cannot afford to continue to move forward with a player they simply cannot trust. q