The San Francisco 49ers have made a shocking move at the kicker position, releasing third-round draft pick Jake Moody in favor of undrafted rookie Ben Sauls, whose flawless preseason performance has turned heads and forced the team to reconsider their special teams strategy.
Jake Moody’s Struggles in San Francisco
Jake Moody, selected in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, was expected to solidify the 49ers’ kicking game with his powerful leg, honed during his All-American career at Michigan. However, his tenure with the 49ers has been marred by inconsistency. Last season, Moody converted only 70% of his field goal attempts, a concerning mark for an NFL kicker, especially one drafted so highly. His struggles continued into the 2025 preseason, where he hooked a 53-yard attempt and narrowly made a 26-yarder in a game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Despite a clutch 59-yard field goal to secure a 22-19 preseason win, questions about his reliability lingered.
The 49ers attempted to spark competition by signing veteran kicker Greg Joseph during the offseason, but Joseph was released after outperforming Moody in practice, leaving Moody as the starter by default. However, his inconsistent showings, coupled with a history of injuries and mental toughness concerns, put his roster spot in jeopardy. Sports Illustrated’s Grant Cohn, a vocal critic of Moody, described his tenure as a “roller coaster” and urged the team to seek an upgrade, stating, “Enough is enough.”
Ben Sauls’ Breakthrough Preseason
Enter Ben Sauls, an undrafted rookie from the University of Pittsburgh, who has emerged as a potential solution to the 49ers’ kicking woes. Signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent, Sauls delivered a standout performance in their second preseason game against the Carolina Panthers on August 21, 2025. He went 4-for-4 on field goal attempts, nailing kicks from 28, 38, 49, and 50 yards with precision, as none were described as “doinks or near doinks.” His performance accounted for 12 of the Steelers’ 19 points in their 19-10 victory.
Sauls’ college career at Pitt was equally impressive. In 2024, he converted 21-of-24 field goals, including six from beyond 50 yards, and was perfect on 44 extra-point attempts. His career-long 58-yard field goal against Cal and a school-record 15 consecutive makes underscored his reliability and clutch performance. With the Steelers committed to veteran kicker Chris Boswell through 2026, Sauls became an expendable asset, opening the door for the 49ers to swoop in.
The 49ers’ Bold Decision
In a move that has stunned fans and analysts alike, the 49ers acted swiftly to claim Sauls off waivers, simultaneously releasing Moody in a ruthless roster decision. The choice reflects the team’s urgency to address a critical position that has cost them points in key moments. Special teams coach Brant Boyer had previously praised Moody’s character for rebounding with two clutch kicks in the preseason, but the team’s faith in him waned as Sauls’ tape showcased a level of consistency Moody has yet to achieve.
Grant Cohn’s endorsement of Sauls over Moody resonated with the 49ers’ front office, who saw the rookie’s performance as a chance to reset at the position. “Moody needs a fresh start somewhere else, so he doesn’t have to bear the burden of being that team’s third-round pick,” Cohn wrote. “Replace him with Sauls.” The 49ers clearly agreed, opting for the undrafted rookie’s precision over Moody’s potential.
What’s Next for Both Kickers?
For Sauls, the opportunity to join the 49ers represents a golden chance to prove himself on a contending team. His familiarity with kicking in adverse conditions at Pitt’s Acrisure Stadium, shared with the Steelers, should serve him well in the NFL. His left-footed kicking style, while rare, has not hindered his accuracy, and his ability to handle pressure could stabilize San Francisco’s special teams unit.
Moody, meanwhile, faces an uncertain future. Despite his undeniable talent and a record-setting 55-yard field goal in Super Bowl LVIII, his inconsistency has cost him his spot with the 49ers. At just 25 years old, Moody is likely to land with another team in need of a kicker with a strong leg, but he’ll need to address the accuracy and mental toughness concerns that plagued his time in San Francisco.
A New Era for 49ers Special Teams
The 49ers’ decision to cut Moody in favor of Sauls signals a shift toward prioritizing performance over draft pedigree. As the team prepares for the 2025 regular season, Sauls’ stunning preseason performance has given them hope for a reliable kicking game. Whether this bold move pays off remains to be seen, but for now, Ben Sauls has seized the moment, turning an undrafted opportunity into a starting role with one of the NFL’s premier franchises.