49ers Part Ways with Jake Moody After Two Missed Field Goals—Eddy Pineiro Steps In with New Contract

The San Francisco 49ers have made a big move by signing a new kicker, Eddy Piñeiro, after releasing Jake Moody. Moody’s performance in Week 1 against the Seattle Seahawks was shaky. He missed two critical field goals, which raised concerns for the team. In total, he managed just one field goal out of three attempts, missing from 27 yards and having a 36-yard attempt blocked.

Pam Oliver, a sideline reporter for Fox Sports, noted the tension on the sidelines, observing players visibly frustrated after Moody’s misses. This isn’t the first time Moody has struggled; his performance has been worrisome since last season, with only 12 successful kicks in his last 23 attempts.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan had initially supported Moody, saying the coaching staff would assess the situation. They brought in veteran kicker Greg Joseph during training camp for competition, but he was waived, solidifying Moody’s position at the start of the season.

Yet, the pressure was on. Moody was a third-round pick in the 2023 draft and had shown promise as a rookie, making 21 of 25 field goals. However, his recent struggles led to this decisive change.

Eddy Piñeiro, 29, joins the 49ers after a successful stint with the Carolina Panthers, where he converted 84.6% of his field goals. He began his career with the Chicago Bears and had a brief period with the New York Jets.

This week, the 49ers will face the New Orleans Saints. Many fans are eager to see how Piñeiro performs in his debut.

According to a recent survey by the NFL, kicker performance is critical for teams’ success. The survey found that teams with reliable kickers tend to win more games, highlighting the importance of the 49ers’ decision. Fans on social media have shared mixed feelings about the switch, with some optimistic about Piñeiro’s track record and others expressing sadness over Moody’s release.

It will be interesting to see how this change impacts the 49ers as they aim for a strong season.



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