49ers exploring options after Jake Moody’s struggles, 69-game veteran Zane Gonzalez under consideration

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / May 2, 2025, 23:39 IST

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The San Francisco 49ers’ rough 2024 season has put Jake Moody’s job at risk after his struggles with field goals. With veteran Zane Gonzalez now in the picture, the 49ers are setting the stage for a competitive training camp. Moody will have to prove himself, and with the team needing consistency, the pressure is on to get it right.

49ers exploring options after Jake Moody’s struggles, 69-game veteran Zane Gonzalez under consideration

49ers eye Zane Gonzalez after Jake Moody’s injury (Image via: Getty Images)

The San Francisco 49ers' 2024 season ended in disaster, with a shocking 6-11 record that left fans frustrated and the front office scrambling for answers. Among the biggest disappointments was Jake Moody, the once-promising kicker who failed to live up to expectations. After a solid rookie season, his struggles in 2024 including missed field goals in crucial moments have raised doubts about his future with the team. Now, with veteran Zane Gonzalez back on the radar, the 49ers are considering all options.

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Moody’s second season was a step back. After going 21-of-25 in 2023, he slipped to just 24-of-34 in 2024, a painful drop for a team that lost several close games. Injuries played a role, but excuses won’t cut it in a franchise with playoff ambitions.

Now, the 49ers appear ready to spark a kicking competition. Rookie Kenny Almendares has been brought in for a tryout, but that might not be enough. According to Niners Nation’s Rohan Chakravarthi, veteran Zane Gonzalez is a name to watch.
It’s a curious twist. The 49ers traded for Gonzalez in 2023, only to release him before the season. Since then, Gonzalez had a brief, uneventful stop with the Washington Commanders and is once again a free agent. Still, with a career 80.5% field goal rate and 69 games under his belt, he could bring much-needed stability.

Could Zane Gonzalez be the wake-up call Jake Moody needs?

Would Gonzalez solve the 49ers’ problems? Maybe not, but he’d at least force Moody to earn his spot. Right now, that might be exactly what this team needs. Training camp could turn into a high-stakes kicker duel, with both players fighting for the position. Moody’s once-safe job is suddenly anything but secure.
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With another wasted season behind them, the 49ers can’t afford more mistakes, especially at a position that decides games. The pressure is on to find consistency and reliability. Will Moody bounce back, or is Zane Gonzalez about to get the second chance no one saw coming? The 49ers’ future could depend on it.

About the Author

TOI Sports Desk

The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the essence of live sporting events and deliver compelling content to readers worldwide. From running live blogs for India and non-India cricket matches to global spectacles featuring Indian talents, like the Chess World Cup final featuring Praggnanandhaa and the Badminton World Championships semifinal featuring HS Prannoy, our live coverage extends to all mega sporting events. We extensively cover events like the Olympics, Asian Games, Cricket World Cups, FIFA World Cups, and more. The desk is also adept at writing comprehensive match reports and insightful post-match commentary, complemented by stats-based articles that provide an in-depth analysis of player performances and team dynamics. We track news wires for key stories, conduct exclusive player interviews in both text and video formats, and file content from print editions and reporters. We keep track of all viral stories, trending topics and produce our own copies on the subjects. We deliver accurate, engaging, and up-to-the-minute sports content, round the clock.

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