The San Francisco 49ers have made a strategic move ahead of the 2025 NFL season by signing six-year veteran kicker Greg Joseph to a one-year contract. This acquisition introduces direct competition for incumbent kicker Jake Moody, signaling that the team is taking steps to bolster the reliability of its special teams unit following an inconsistent 2024 campaign.
Greg Joseph brings experience and consistency to the table. Over his six-year NFL career, he has played for several teams, including the Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans, Minnesota Vikings, and most recently spent time on practice squads with the New York Giants, Washington Commanders, and New York Jets. Joseph holds a career field goal accuracy rate of 82.3%, a solid mark that reflects his dependability, especially on shorter attempts. Notably, he has converted 71 of 72 field goals from inside 40 yards, showcasing his reliability in manageable situations.
This move comes on the heels of a challenging season for Jake Moody, who struggled with both consistency and injuries. A high ankle sprain in Week 5 of the 2024 season sidelined Moody for three games and appeared to affect his performance even after he returned. He finished the season with a league-low 70.6% field goal conversion rate among kickers with at least 10 attempts. While Moody has shown potential—he was a third-round draft pick in 2023 and possesses a powerful leg—the 49ers are clearly no longer willing to risk another shaky season at the kicker position.
New special teams coordinator Brant Boyer, who worked with Joseph during his time with the Jets, is expected to oversee this internal competition. Boyer’s familiarity with Joseph could prove advantageous as the veteran adjusts to the 49ers’ system. The decision to bring in Joseph signals that the 49ers are committed to improving every phase of their roster, especially one as crucial and often overlooked as special teams. Close games often hinge on field goals, and recent playoff performances have highlighted the importance of having a dependable kicker.
The competition between Joseph and Moody is expected to be one of the more closely watched battles during the 49ers’ training camp. While Moody may still be seen as the long-term answer due to his draft pedigree, the front office and coaching staff are clearly open to a merit-based decision that prioritizes performance over potential. If Joseph outperforms Moody during the preseason, there’s a strong chance he could win the starting job outright.
Ultimately, the signing of Greg Joseph represents a low-risk, high-reward maneuver for San Francisco. It puts pressure on Moody to rebound from a rough season while providing a seasoned alternative should he falter. For a team with Super Bowl aspirations, ensuring every roster spot is manned by a proven performer is vital. The kicker battle in San Francisco is now officially on, and the outcome could have a meaningful impact on the 49ers’ 2025 campaign.