“Definitely probably one of the lowest times in my career, dating back to when I first started football. Confidence, you know, you gotta keep it high. You have no other choice as a kicker.” This is what Jake Moody, the special-teams star of the 49ers, said when he was asked about the low performance. As we know, the 49ers‘ kicker has hit Kyle Shanahan with 31 points. And the result? The 49ers might probably replace Moody with a talented rookie kicker. 

Yep, you heard that right. Moody’s days are numbered as the HC is inviting the Lou Groza Award-winning kicker to likely increase the competition. The NFL reporter David Lombardi, who has no connection with Vince Lombardi, reported, “The 49ers are bringing in the Lou Groza Award winner (given to the best kicker in college football), Kenny Almendares, to their upcoming rookie minicamp for a tryout.” But the report added more shock to Moody after adding this.

“SF has one roster spot still open. They have said they plan to sign a kicking competition for Jake Moody,” the reporter added. Kenneth Almendares won the 2024 Lou Groza Award. As the 49ers struggled with field goals, Jake Moody’s field goal percentage climbed to only 70.6%. That’s why Kyle Shanahan made the major decision to bolster his special teams by bringing in this beast. But why are we calling him a beast?

Well, you’d probably say the same after hearing these stats. Kenneth wrapped up his 2024 season with the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns, where he completed 90.3% of his field goal attempts. He attempted 31 field goals and made 28 of them. And when it comes to yardage, he was perfect from 40 to 49 yards, going 8-for-8. Well, that’s why Kyle Shanahan wants to introduce a competition to Jake Moody. 

Moody’s missed kicks cost Kyle Shanahan the 2024 season

But it’s simple why Kyle Shanahan is looking for Jake Moody. If we look at Moody’s stats, he made 24 field goals in the 2024 season out of 34 attempts. That was a 30-point loss, accompanied by one extra point. Losing 10 kicks could lead you to losing a season. In the 2024 season, there were at least four games the 49ers lost by 3 or 4 points. They lost against the Rams by three points. Again, in the week 5 game, they faced a loss against the Cardinals by three points. So, it was followed by introducing ‘Kenny the Kicker‘.

But was it a hurried decision? No. Kyle Shanahan had already given us a hint about adding a competition to Jake Moody. “Yeah, we are going to bring someone else in. We weren’t going to sign a guy right away in free agency. But I know Brant and Colt are looking into some kickers at these kicking camps throughout the colleges.” He also added, “But we’d more likely like to add a veteran. Hopefully after the draft.” Kyle Shanahan said this while addressing the press on the question of adding one more place kicker to the roster.

Jake is currently in the second-last year of his $5,454,080 rookie contract, which is ending is ending in 2026. So, can Shanahan replace Moody if Kenneth plays good? Well, only time will tell that. But Kenny’s six years with the Cajuns speak volumes.

The experience shows — you see it in his stance, in his timing, in the way he handles pressure. He’s calm, confident, and ready. Every kick tells a story. Now, he’s stepping onto a bigger stage. The stakes are higher. The spotlight is brighter. But he’s not backing down. He’s stepping up. And he’s coming for Jake Moody. Buckle up, Moody.