(Patrika English News): Former San Francisco 49ers kicker Jake Moody has quickly found a new home after being waived earlier this week. According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, Moody signed with the Chicago Bears practice squad on Friday, just three days after his release.
The move comes after Moody’s short-lived but turbulent stint with San Francisco ended in Week 1 of the 2025 season. The 25-year-old was waived following a costly 27-yard miss against the Seattle Seahawks, a game the 49ers narrowly won 17-13.
Competition in Chicago
Moody will not suit up immediately for Chicago’s road clash with the Detroit Lions this Sunday. Instead, he joins as a practice squad addition to push veteran kicker Cairo Santos.
Santos, 33, has been reliable for the Bears but missed a 50-yard attempt in Monday’s 27-24 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Though he converted 21 of 25 field goals last season, Chicago is looking to add depth and future insurance at the position.
From 49ers Draft Pick to Release
Moody entered the NFL as the No. 99 overall pick in the 2023 Draft. In two seasons with the 49ers, he made just 74.2% of his field goals across 32 games, a percentage that ultimately cost him his job. Head coach Kyle Shanahan admitted hesitation about moving on, but San Francisco replaced him with veteran Eddy Pineiro, the NFL’s fourth-most accurate kicker historically.
A Chance to Rebuild
Landing with the Bears’ practice squad provides Moody a chance to regain confidence in a lower-pressure environment. With kicking jobs often volatile in the NFL, he could find himself back on an active roster in Chicago or elsewhere this season.
Notably, the Bears and 49ers will meet in Week 17 on Sunday Night Football at Levi’s Stadium, setting up a potential reunion storyline if Moody climbs back to the main roster.