The San Francisco 49ers have experienced their fair share of ups and downs with their current placekicker, Jake Moody. In just two seasons, his tenure in the Bay Area has been both smooth and, yet, turbulent at times.
In 2023, the Niners spent a third-round pick on the former Michigan Wolverine. Moody had some big shoes (one in particular) to fill since his arrival. After six seasons playing for San Francisco, Robbie Gould was no longer part of the team’s plans going forward, and the future Hall of Fame kicker announced his retirement.
The opening for the 49ers’ next placekicker had to be filled. Head coach Kyle Shanahan took to the 2023 NFL Draft to accomplish that, grabbing Moody in the process.
Would the 49ers really move on from Jake Moody?
During Moody’s first NFL season, the first after Gould, the rookie had an 84-percent accuracy rate from field goals. He connected on 21-of-25 including 15-of-16 from inside the 40-yard line.
Unfortunately, the Niners saw some regression in their new starting kicker last season. In 2024, not only did he miss 10 of the 36 field goals he attempted, but Moody missed three games with a high-ankle sprain as well.
Last year, Moody was just 10 of 20 from 40 yards or deeper. But as a rookie in the 2023 NFL playoffs, the 49ers kicker made all three of his field-goal attempts from 50 yards out or deeper.
San Francisco even brought in veteran place kicker Greg Joseph to give Moody some competition and the special teams a contingency plan. Before the 49ers’ preseason finale, the former Minnesota Viking was cut.
Moody doesn’t turn 26 years old until mid-season.
Yet, the 49ers may be looking at his potential replacement.
The son of a former Pro Bowl kicker popped off on Thursday night. The University of Southern Florida started their season with an upset win against No. 25-ranked Boise State.
Assuming Shanahan is willing to trust another rookie with the job of being the 49ers’ starting placekicker, look no further than…
A valid potential replacement at kicker emerges for 49ers
Bill Gramatica was placekicker for the Arizona Cardinals. Thus, the 49ers are already familiar with this family. Bill’s brother, Martin, also played in the NFL.
There’s a chance that San Francisco gets to know Bill’s son, Nico. The USF Bulls’ freshman kicker had an impressive college football debut. His 52-yard field goal ended the potential shutout against the Broncos:
On Gramatica’s foot alone, the USF kicker outscored Boise State’s entire point total. With two field goals and four extra points, the freshman scored 10 points.
It may be another year before the Bulls kicker can declare for the NFL Draft. Any player has to be at least three years removed from their high school graduation in addition to meeting the specific deadlines set by the league.
For now, the 49ers have to trust Moody. If things go awry, then San Francisco may not hesitate to use another draft pick should another Gramatica enter the NFL Draft.
