The Moody Blues? Greg Joseph Joins 49ers, Intensifying Kicker Battle
The San Francisco 49ers are known for their offensive firepower, led by quarterback Brock Purdy, who recently signed a massive five-year, $265 million contract extension. However, even the most high-octane offenses can stall, making the kicking game a critical component of any Super Bowl contender. After an inconsistent 2024 season from Jake Moody, the 49ers have brought in veteran Greg Joseph to ignite a kicking competition that could have significant implications for their 2025 campaign.
Moody’s 2024 Struggles
Jake Moody, drafted in the third round in 2023, had a rocky 2024 season. While he made 84% of his kicks in 2023, his field goal percentage plummeted to 70.6% in 2024, ranking 33rd among NFL kickers with at least 10 made field goals. He missed 10 field goals, with five of those misses coming from the 40-49 yard range and the other five from 50+ yards. While the 49ers remain hopeful that Moody will rebound, especially given that injuries may have contributed to his inconsistency, the team clearly felt the need to bring in a challenger.
New special teams coordinator Brant Boyer believes injuries contributed to Moody’s struggles. “There isn’t a special teams coach in this league that didn’t have him rated number one coming out, that I know of,” Boyer said. “He’s as talented a kid as it gets. I think that the injury issue, where he was fighting injuries, going back and forth, I think that had a lot to do with it.”
Greg Joseph: A Seasoned Veteran
Enter Greg Joseph, a 30-year-old veteran with six years of NFL experience. Joseph has bounced around the league, playing for the Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans, Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants, Washington Commanders, and New York Jets. He has appeared in 75 career games, making 116 of 141 field-goal attempts for an 82.3% accuracy rate and converting 157 of 173 extra-point tries (90.8%).
Joseph’s agent, Brett Tessler, highlighted his client’s clutch ability, noting that Joseph holds the NFL record for most game-winning field goals in a season. In 2023 with the Vikings, Joseph hit two game-winning field goals, including a 61-yard bomb.
The Kicking Competition Heats Up
The 49ers’ decision to sign Joseph underscores the importance head coach Kyle Shanahan places on special teams. Shanahan stated in March that he would rely on Boyer and special-teams assistant Colt Anderson to bring in a kicker to compete with Moody, emphasizing the need to put pressure on the incumbent. “As long as we bring in a guy who is capable of taking that job, and Jake respects him — that’s what puts pressure on him, because you’ve got to respect the guy you’re going against,” Shanahan said.
Boyer is familiar with Joseph, having briefly worked with him during his stint with the Jets in 2024. Joseph made all 11 of his extra-point attempts and 16 of 20 field goals with the Jets.
What This Means for the 49ers
The addition of Greg Joseph creates a legitimate kicking competition that should push Jake Moody to improve. While Moody has the advantage of being drafted in the third round, NFL teams aren’t afraid to cut ties with draft picks who don’t perform. The 49ers are in Super Bowl-or-bust mode, and they can’t afford to have a shaky kicking game.
Joseph’s experience and clutch ability could give him an edge. He has a stronger track record than Moody, particularly from long distance. However, Joseph has struggled with consistency throughout his career, which is why he has bounced around the league.
The 49ers will be closely watching both kickers during training camp and the preseason. The details of Joseph’s contract, particularly the amount of guaranteed money, will be a key indicator of how serious the 49ers are about him potentially winning the job.
The Robbie Gould Era
The 49ers’ kicking situation is a far cry from the stability they enjoyed with Robbie Gould for six seasons (2017-2022). Gould, who retired in 2023 after 18 seasons, was a model of consistency and clutch performance. He made 161 of 184 regular-season field-goal attempts and was a perfect 21-of-21 in the playoffs.
Gould wanted to remain with the 49ers, but the team opted to go younger and draft Moody. Gould told NBC Sports Bay Area that he “would’ve loved to have gone back there,” but the 49ers “never got an offer from the team and we never had a conversation about coming back.”
Special Teams Focus
The 49ers’ emphasis on special teams extends beyond the kicking competition. The team hired Boyer to replace Brian Schneider after some costly special-teams breakdowns in 2024. San Francisco also drafted Montana wide receiver Junior Bergen in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft, with the intention of using him as a returner.
Boyer has emphasized the importance of creating a strong special teams culture. “At the end of the day, this is a violent game played by men, and special teams is a one-on-one matchup 90 percent of the time. And, it’s either you or him,” Boyer noted.
Conclusion
The kicking competition between Jake Moody and Greg Joseph will be one of the most closely watched position battles during the 49ers’ training camp. The 49ers are determined to improve their special teams play in 2025, and the winner of this competition will play a key role in their quest for a Super Bowl title.