The San Francisco 49ers’ kicking game has been a rollercoaster since the departure of veteran Robbie Gould, a future Hall of Famer who retired after six seasons with the team. In 2023, the 49ers aimed to fill the void by drafting Jake Moody, a talented Michigan Wolverine, in the third round of the NFL Draft. However, two seasons into his tenure, Moody’s inconsistency has sparked whispers within the organization about a potential successor, leaving the Faithful both stunned and intrigued.
Jake Moody’s Rocky Road
Moody’s rookie season in 2023 showed promise. He delivered an 84-percent field goal accuracy rate, converting 21 of 25 attempts, including an impressive 15-of-16 from inside 40 yards. His postseason performance was even more encouraging, as he went a perfect 3-for-3 on field goals from 50 yards or beyond, proving he could handle high-pressure moments.
However, 2024 was a different story. Moody’s accuracy plummeted, with the young kicker missing 10 of his 36 field goal attempts. His struggles were particularly evident from long range, where he connected on just 10 of 20 attempts from 40 yards or deeper. A high-ankle sprain sidelined him for three games, further complicating matters. The 49ers even brought in veteran Greg Joseph during the preseason to challenge Moody, though Joseph was ultimately cut before the regular season began.
At just 25 years old (turning 26 mid-season), Moody still has time to solidify his role. But the 49ers’ front office, led by head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch, is known for its forward-thinking approach. The team’s recent scouting activities suggest they’re already preparing for a future without Moody if his performance doesn’t rebound.
A New Gramatica on the Horizon
Enter Nico Gramatica, a freshman kicker at the University of South Florida (USF) who’s already turning heads. The son of former Pro Bowl kicker Bill Gramatica and nephew of NFL veteran Martin Gramatica, Nico carries a legacy of kicking prowess. In USF’s season-opening upset against No. 25-ranked Boise State, Nico stole the show. His 52-yard field goal prevented a shutout, and with two field goals and four extra points, he single-handedly outscored Boise State’s entire offense, tallying 10 points in a stunning debut.
The Gramatica name is no stranger to the NFL. Bill Gramatica’s tenure with the Arizona Cardinals left a mark, and the 49ers are well aware of the family’s kicking pedigree. Nico’s performance has already caught the attention of NFL scouts, and San Francisco’s front office is reportedly among those keeping tabs on the young talent.
The NFL Draft Dilemma
There’s a catch: Nico Gramatica won’t be eligible for the NFL Draft until he’s at least three years removed from high school, per league rules. This likely means the 49ers would need to wait at least another year before considering him as a draft prospect. For now, the team must rely on Moody to stabilize the kicking game. But if Moody’s struggles persist into 2025, the 49ers’ history of bold draft decisions—such as selecting Moody in the third round—suggests they won’t hesitate to invest in another kicker.
Shanahan’s trust in rookies is well-documented, and the prospect of adding a Gramatica to the roster could be too tempting to pass up. Nico’s early success, combined with his family’s NFL legacy, makes him a compelling candidate to eventually replace Moody if the incumbent falters.
What’s Next for the 49ers?
For the 2025 season, Jake Moody remains the 49ers’ starting kicker, and the Faithful will be hoping he can recapture his rookie-year form. His youth and postseason track record offer hope, but the pressure is on. The front office’s interest in Nico Gramatica signals a contingency plan that could reshape the team’s special teams unit in the coming years.
As the 49ers chase another Super Bowl run, every point matters. Whether it’s Moody or a future star like Gramatica, San Francisco’s kicking game will be under intense scrutiny. For now, the Faithful can only watch and wait to see if Moody solidifies his role—or if a new Gramatica steps into the spotlight.