Cleveland Browns rookie placekicker Andre Szmyt had an opening day that he would rather forget.
The game started just fine as Szmyt converted an extra point and a 45-yard field goal in the first half to send the Browns into the locker room trailing the Cincinnati Bengals by just four points.
Things started to fall apart in the second half, however, as Szmyt first missed an extra point after the Browns opened the third quarter with a touchdown drive. That left the Browns trailing, 17-16, as the game
got deep into the fourth quarter.
Szmyt had an opportunity to redeem himself with a little more than two minutes remaining, and the Browns still trailing by one point. But he missed a 36-yard field goal, and the Browns went on to lose the game.
That sent fans and the media into a frenzy about how general manager Andrew Berry must replace Szmyt immediately. While there are certainly plenty of kickers sitting at home waiting for the phone to ring, it’s important to remember that they are home and not currently with a team for a reason.
One name to scratch off that list is Parker Romo, who the Atlanta Falcons are reportedly signing to their practice squad.
But a new name became available this afternoon with the news that the San Francisco 49ers are reportedly waiving kicker Jake Moody, according to The Athletic.
A third-round selection by the 49ers in the 2023 NFL Draft, Moody had his own not-so-good game on Sunday as he missed two of his three field goal attempts in San Francisco’s 17-13 win over the Seattle Seahawks.
After a rookie season where he converted 84 percent of his field goals, with a long of 57 yards, Moody’s conversion rate slipped to 70.6 percent in 2024 while dealing with an ankle injury. He has remained strong on extra points, however, as he has made 94-of-96 with the 49ers.
Once the move becomes official, Moody will be subject to waivers, with the Tennessee Titans having the first opportunity at claiming him. But the Titans appear to be set at kicker after Joey Slye converted all four of his field goal attempts on Sunday against the Denver Broncos.
The Browns are currently sitting at No. 2 in the waiver claim list, so if they want to bring Moody in for a look and the Titans pass, he will be there for the taking, although the club would have to make a subsequent move to open up a roster spot.
