Kyle Shanahan confirms Jake Moody won't have a free pass in training camp

The San Francisco 49ers probably wish they could go back in time and not use a third-round NFL Draft pick on kicker Jake Moody.

Since time travel isn't a thing yet, the Niners are stuck with that decision. And, in light of Moody's struggles over the second half of 2024, it makes sense they'd seriously consider making changes even it meant yet another sunk cost on a day-two draft investment.

Of course, fans will recall how Moody finished his sophomore year with a 70.6 field-goal percentage, even worse than the one-and-done season by the kicker regarded as the biggest specialist bust in recent NFL history, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Roberto Aguayo (71.0).

True, Moody had just returned from a high-ankle sprain that unquestionably hindered his efforts, and San Francisco's top brass, including general manager John Lynch, expressed confidence in the embattled kicker.

But, that doesn't exactly mean Moody will be handed the job again in 2025.

Kyle Shanahan confirms Jake Moody will have competition in training camp

Speaking from the NFL Annual Meeting, head coach Kyle Shanahan was asked whether or not the 49ers would bring in some competition for Moody this offseason.

Shanahan confirmed that would be the case:

What's not entirely clear is just how serious the Niners are taking this pending competition. It'd be one thing to bring in a free-agent kicker merely to push Moody but with the sole intention of retaining the latter anyway.

However, if San Francisco adds someone with a solid pedigree, it could ultimately mean Moody is on the hot seat and will have to respond accordingly.

One thing is certain, though. The 49ers are no longer gifting Moody his specialist job, particularly in light of last year's second-half meltdown.