The San Francisco 49ers have shocked the NFL by signing a veteran kicker selected by the Green Bay Packers in the sixth round.

The San Francisco 49ers have made a surprising move in their roster by announcing a one-year contract with veteran kicker Greg Joseph, setting the stage for a direct competition with Jake Moody, the team’s current starting kicker. The news was confirmed by Joseph’s agent, Brett Tessler, on Friday, May 16, 2025, and quickly garnered attention from fans and media alike.

Jake Moody and the Pressure at the Kicker Position

Jake Moody, selected by the 49ers in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, has experienced an up-and-down two seasons in San Francisco. Despite possessing a powerful leg and earning the Lou Groza Award as the nation’s top college kicker, Moody has struggled to maintain consistency in the NFL. In the 2024 season, he recorded a field goal success rate of just 70.6% (24/34 attempts), the lowest among kickers with at least 34 attempts since 2012.

Moody’s miscues, including missing an extra point in Super Bowl LVIII and three field goals in a single game after returning from an ankle injury, have raised concerns among fans and the coaching staff. Head coach Kyle Shanahan previously emphasized that the team would bring in a veteran to compete with Moody, and Greg Joseph is the chosen candidate.

Greg Joseph: A Veteran with Extensive Experience

Greg Joseph, 30 years old, is a familiar name in the NFL with eight years of experience playing for six different teams, including the Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans, Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants, Washington Commanders, and New York Jets. He entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent from Florida Atlantic University in 2018 and quickly proved his worth. Throughout his career, Joseph has successfully converted 116/141 field goals (82.3% success rate) and 90.8% of his extra point attempts.

A highlight of Joseph’s career is his NFL record for the most game-winning field goals in a single season, a feat his agent proudly highlighted. With experience across multiple teams and a proven ability to handle high-pressure moments, Joseph is expected to bring genuine competition to Moody during training camp and preseason games.

A Fierce Competition on the Horizon

The signing of Joseph is part of the 49ers’ strategy to improve their kicking game, which has been a source of frustration over the past two seasons. Head coach Kyle Shanahan and special teams coordinator Brant Boyer have both stressed the importance of a fair competition. “We’re going to bring in someone who can take this job, and Jake needs to respect his competition,” Shanahan said at the NFL’s annual meeting. “He has to outshine a veteran kicker in practices and games.”

Moody, whom Boyer once rated as the top kicker in the 2023 NFL Draft, now faces significant pressure to prove his worth. While the 49ers still believe in Moody’s potential, especially after his recovery from an ankle injury, Joseph’s arrival signals that the team is not afraid to make a change if Moody fails to regain his form.

Could Greg Joseph Usher in a New Era?

Some analysts, such as Grant Cohn of Sports Illustrated, have speculated about the possibility of a “Greg Joseph era” in San Francisco, suggesting that Moody could lose his job if he doesn’t improve. However, given the significant investment in Moody as a third-round pick, the 49ers may continue to be patient with him, provided he shows progress in practices and upcoming games.

The competition between Moody and Joseph promises to be a key storyline at the 49ers’ training camp this summer. With Joseph’s experience and track record, he is not just a challenger but also a catalyst for Moody to push beyond his current limits. 49ers fans are eagerly awaiting to see whether Moody can regain his confidence and form or if Joseph will emerge as the new hero at the kicker position.

Conclusion

The signing of Greg Joseph is a strategic move by the San Francisco 49ers, reflecting their determination to improve performance at the kicker position. The battle between Joseph and Moody is not just a personal rivalry but also an opportunity for the 49ers to build a stronger roster for the 2025 season. Fans will be watching closely to see who comes out on top when the new season kicks off!