The 49ers’ most competitive position battle is not where you’d expect

Ever since Robbie Gould left the building after the 2022 season, the San Francisco 49ers have struggled to find consistency at the kicker position, creating frustration in the process. This year’s roster features two similar candidates, each battling to earn a roster spot.

Jake Moody has done most of the 49ers’ kicking over the past two years, but struggled a lot in 2024. The former third-round pick went 24-34 (70.6 percent) when attempting field goals, good enough for 39th across all qualified kickers.

At just 25 years old, Moody could definitely turn things around, but he has to show he can be consistent from range. The former Michigan Wolverine went 10-20 (50 percent) on field goals over 40 yards in 2024.

The lack of production came during a season when Moody suffered a high ankle sprain during San Francisco’s Week 5 game against the Arizona Cardinals. Despite playing in 14 games, the injury did enough to derail the young kicker’s confidence.

Jake Moody details where his confidence level is after last season's struggles pic.twitter.com/JwM78T6uF9

— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) July 25, 2025

Battling Moody is 30-year-old Greg Joseph, who signed a 1-year, $1,170,000 contract this offseason with the 49ers. The veteran suited up for three different teams in 2024, making 16 of his 20 field goal attempts (80 percent).

Joseph has struggled to find a long-term home through his six-year career, with his longest stint coming with the Minnesota Vikings from 2021 to 2023.

Even with his inability to stick with one team for long, Joseph has been fairly consistent throughout his career to this point. Across 57 games, he sits with an 82.3 field goal percentage, good enough for 48th all-time.

Both kickers have been battling to begin training camp, with neither really pulling away with the keys to the starting job. Most days have featured each kicker with similar numbers, making the decision difficult for head coach Kyle Shanahan.

Kicker Competition 2025:
Jake Moody and Greg Joseph attempted field goals of 33, 37, 43 and 54 from the same hashmarks. Joseph was definitely 4-for-4. Moody’s 54–yarder was either wide right or barely snuck in.

— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) July 31, 2025

There is still time for Moody or Joseph to set themselves apart from the other and earn the starting gig. Kicks throughout the rest of training camp and the preseason will be watched closely, with Shanahan doing everything in his power to give the best performer the job.