Among all the positions to talk about in 2023, the San Francisco 49ers’ kicker is a major one to discuss. For the past five years, the San Francisco 49ers had Robbie Gould, but after his exit in free agency, it was time for a change. Gould was perfect in the playoffs, and now the team needs someone just as clutch. San Francisco first made a trade for Zane Gonzalez and then drafted Jake Moody in the 2023 NFL Draft. Here is a look at the 49ers’ kicker situation ahead of the 2023 season.
49ers’ Kicker: Jake Moody
As far as anyone can tell, it is looking like the starting San Francisco 49ers’ kicker in 2023 will be Moody. He was drafted in the third round and the favorite for the job. Moody has been doing great in practices hitting these kicks from 60 yards out. With everything discussed in training camp about Moody, why wouldn’t he be the 49ers’ kicker in 2023? Well, he has had very mixed results in the preseason games.
Former Michigan Wolverines K Jake Moody (13) – Anna Fuder/The Michigan Daily
The first preseason game was against the Las Vegas Raiders. Moody did make the extra point from the one touchdown the 49ers scored, but that was it. He missed two other field goals, one of which was a completely wide miss. This was definitely a worry, but many hoped it was some first-game jitters. The second preseason game was against the Denver Broncos. On the first series of the game, the 49ers decided to go for a field goal on the two-yard line.
Luckily, every 49ers fan and staff member was able to take a breath that Moody made the easy shot in. This was Moody’s first field goal attempt that he made as the 49ers’ kicker. The issue is the 49ers scored a touchdown later on in the game, and Moody missed the extra point. While he made one the previous week, this is something that should be easy for any kicker in the NFL. In a roller coaster of a game, in terms of the field goals, Moody did make the kick that won the 49ers the game.
Thank goodness it is preseason, but Moody definitely needs to get it together. Hopefully, the 49ers are in a position where they are scoring more touchdowns than field goals, but the reality is not every team is going to score a touchdown on every drive. Every team needs a reliable kicker. Hopefully, in the final preseason game, Moody gets any last jitters out of the way before the season officially begins.
Carolina Panthers K Zane Gonzalez (5) – Danny Karnik/AP Photo
What About Zane Gonzalez
As previously mentioned, the 49ers traded for kicker Gonzalez in the offseason. The idea is that they made the trade to give their drafted rookie some camp competition. Moody definitely defeated Gonzalez when it came to practice. Moody has been much more accurate, but as noted, that is just practice. In the games, Moody is missing. What 49ers fans have not seen is Gonzalez in the preseason games.
This does essentially indicate that Moody will be the 49ers’ kicker, not Gonzalez. Fans sort of knew this ahead of time, but it was essentially confirmed based on Moody playing so much during the preseason. It is highly unlikely that fans will see Gonzalez in any games. If Moody is the guy they want, the coaches will make sure he gets as much practice as possible, pushing Gonzalez out of the way. Now, if something, unfortunately, happens to Moody, at least Gonzalez is still available. At least when it comes to the 49ers’ kickers, there is depth, but they still need to be clutch.
Former 49ers K Robbie Gould (9) – Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
Where is Robbie Gould
Before anyone asks, no, the team will not go searching out former 49ers’ kicker Gould. Or at least it is nearly impossible that will happen. Gould made it clear he would be looking elsewhere in the offseason, despite later changing the story that he wanted to return. Gould is a clutch player who has done great things with the 49ers, but fans need to be prepared for Moody to be their kicker in 2023. Gould has not yet signed with a team and may not until the season officially begins.
Is there a chance that the season begins and the team and Gould will work something out? Well, it is unlikely, but anything is possible in the NFL. Both Gould and the 49ers are hunting for a Super Bowl win. Gould has yet to get a ring in his long career in the NFL. This could be something to watch for, but not until the season has already begun, and only if Gould does not sign somewhere else first.
It is looking like it will be a roller coaster of a season when it comes to the 49ers’ kicker. This is unfortunate for a team with Super Bowl aspirations, but it also makes sense why they would not want to re-sign a veteran when they had to replace other members and still give Nick Bosa his extension. The team looked at Gould from a financial point of view and felt it would be easier to move on to a rookie. This is of course a risk, especially as an early draft pick.
If Moody genuinely is the best kicker in that draft class, the early pick makes sense. This is especially considering the New England Patriots took a kicker in the next round. But, this now will be a big focus and needs to be figured out as soon as possible. As of now, Moody needs to get rid of any nerves and work on his confidence. He can kick from a distance, as seen in practices, but the games are where it matters. Hopefully, the 49ers’ kicker situation is resolved before the season officially begins. The team’s next preseason game will be Friday, August 25th, against the Los Angeles Chargers.
