What's Happening?
Former San Francisco 49ers kicker Jake Moody has signed with the Chicago Bears' practice squad following his release from the 49ers. Moody, a third-round draft pick in 2023, struggled during his tenure with the 49ers, particularly in the 2024 season where he made only 70.6% of his field goal attempts. His performance in the 2025 season opener, where he missed two field goals, led to his release. The Bears have brought Moody in as a potential backup and competition for their current kicker, Cairo Santos, who has been with the team since 2020. Santos had a challenging start to the season, missing a 50-yard field goal in a recent game against the Minnesota Vikings.
Why It's Important?
The signing of Jake Moody by the Chicago Bears highlights the ongoing challenges NFL teams face in securing reliable kickers. Moody's move to the Bears underscores the importance of performance consistency in the NFL, especially for specialized positions like kickers. For the Bears, having a backup like Moody provides insurance and competition for Cairo Santos, potentially improving the team's kicking game. This development also reflects broader trends in the NFL regarding the drafting and management of kickers, as teams weigh the risks and benefits of investing high draft picks in this position.
What's Next?
Jake Moody will compete with Cairo Santos for the primary kicker role on the Chicago Bears. His performance in practice and any opportunities he gets in games will determine his future with the team. The Bears will be closely monitoring both kickers' performances, especially given Santos' recent struggles. The outcome of this competition could influence the Bears' strategy in upcoming games and potentially impact their overall season performance.
