49ers Sign Matthew Wright to Replace Jake Moody as Kicker
San Francisco, CA – October 8, 2024 — The San Francisco 49ers have made a significant move in their special teams unit, signing veteran kicker Matthew Wright to replace Jake Moody, who has been struggling with consistency this season. The decision comes after a series of missed field goals and extra points from Moody, which raised concerns within the 49ers organization about their reliability in the kicking game.
Moody’s Struggles Lead to Change
Jake Moody, a third-round draft pick in 2023, had entered the 2024 season with high expectations. Known for his powerful leg and accuracy during his collegiate career at Michigan, the young kicker initially seemed to be a solid fit for the 49ers. However, as the season progressed, Moody’s performances began to falter. Critical missed field goals in several key games caused frustration among fans and the coaching staff alike, leading to growing uncertainty about his ability to deliver in high-pressure situations.
Moody’s most notable struggles came during Week 5 when the 49ers faced the Dallas Cowboys. His two missed field goals and a failed extra point contributed to a narrow 27-24 loss. Following that game, head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed the media, expressing concern but also support for Moody:
“Jake is a talented kicker, no doubt about that, but this league is about execution under pressure. We’ve got to evaluate what’s best for the team moving forward.”
It seems that evaluation led to the signing of Matthew Wright.
Matthew Wright: A Proven Veteran
Matthew Wright, who has previously played for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Kansas City Chiefs, brings experience and a steady track record to the 49ers’ special teams unit. Wright has been in the league since 2019 and has earned a reputation as a reliable kicker, especially in clutch situations.
In 2023, Wright filled in for several teams as an injury replacement and demonstrated his ability to handle the pressure. He finished the season with a field goal percentage of 85.7% and converted 34 of 38 extra points. His consistency and calm demeanor under pressure have made him a valuable asset to teams in need of a steady leg.
Speaking about joining the 49ers, Wright said:
“I’m excited to be here and contribute to this great organization. The 49ers have a championship mindset, and I’m ready to help in any way I can. Special teams play a crucial role in winning games, and I’m here to give them confidence in the kicking game.”
The Impact of the Signing
The 49ers, who have started the season strong with a 4-1 record, are seen as one of the top contenders in the NFC. With a high-powered offense led by quarterback Brock Purdy, wide receiver Deebo Samuel, and tight end George Kittle, and a dominant defense anchored by Nick Bosa, the team is firing on all cylinders. However, special teams have often been the Achilles’ heel of teams with Super Bowl aspirations, and the 49ers are making a preemptive move to ensure they don’t face the same issues.
Matthew Wright’s addition to the roster signals that the 49ers are serious about shoring up all aspects of their game as they push toward a deep playoff run. The kicking game often decides tight contests in the postseason, and with Wright’s experience, the 49ers will hope to avoid any more hiccups.
Jake Moody’s Future
While Matthew Wright steps into the role, the future of Jake Moody remains uncertain. Some reports suggest that the 49ers could keep Moody on the practice squad to give him time to regain his confidence and develop further. Others speculate that a trade or release might be in the cards, particularly if Wright performs well in the coming weeks.
Moody, though young, still has the potential to carve out a successful career in the NFL, but the pressure of being the kicker for a team with Super Bowl aspirations may have been too much, too soon. If the 49ers do move on from him permanently, he may find another opportunity elsewhere in the league to rebuild his career.
Fans’ Reaction
49ers fans have been vocal about the team’s kicking struggles, and the signing of Matthew Wright has largely been met with optimism. On social media, many fans expressed relief at the change, while some also sympathized with Moody, recognizing the pressure he faced as a young kicker.
One fan tweeted, “Wright is a solid kicker and exactly what we need right now. Special teams can’t keep holding us back. Hope Moody can bounce back somewhere, but this is the right move.”
Another added, “Feel for Moody, but this is a business. Wright’s experience will be crucial in close games down the stretch.”
Looking Ahead
With Matthew Wright now in the fold, the 49ers will look to put their kicking woes behind them and focus on maintaining their momentum as they chase a division title and, ultimately, a Super Bowl appearance. Wright is expected to make his debut in Week 6 when the 49ers take on the Cleveland Browns, a team with a formidable defense that could make for a tightly contested game where every point counts.
As the 49ers gear up for the next phase of their season, the focus will be on ensuring that special teams, long a question mark for this otherwise dominant squad, becomes a strength rather than a liability. Matthew Wright’s experience and reliability may just be the key to achieving that.
—
The 49ers’ Special Teams History: A Look at Past Kicking Struggles
This move to bring in Matthew Wright also sheds light on a broader issue that has plagued the 49ers over the years: inconsistent kicking. While the team has had some standout kickers in its history, there have been several seasons where missed field goals and extra points have derailed championship aspirations.
One of the most infamous moments came in the 2011 NFC Championship Game when kicker David Akers, who had been solid all season, struggled with accuracy. The 49ers lost in overtime to the New York Giants, largely due to missed opportunities on special teams.
More recently, in 2021, Robbie Gould, the veteran kicker known for his dependability, faced injury issues that left the 49ers in a precarious situation. During that time, backup kickers were brought in, but the team’s inconsistency in the kicking game led to close losses that ultimately cost them a higher playoff seed.
Now, with Matthew Wright, the 49ers hope to avoid a repeat of these past struggles. If Wright can provide the kind of stability and accuracy he’s shown in previous stints with other teams, the 49ers may finally have found the answer to their kicking conundrum.
—
Wright’s Journey to the 49ers
Matthew Wright’s path to the NFL has been anything but traditional. Undrafted out of the University of Central Florida (UCF), Wright was initially signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as a free agent in 2019. He bounced around practice squads and filled in as an injury replacement, gradually building a reputation as a reliable kicker who could step in when needed.
Wright’s breakthrough came in 2021 when he signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars. In Week 6 of that season, Wright hit two critical field goals, including a 53-yard game-winner, to lead the Jaguars to their first victory of the season over the Miami Dolphins. That performance cemented his place in the league as a clutch performer, particularly in high-pressure situations.
After stints with the Chiefs and Steelers in subsequent seasons, Wright became a sought-after option for teams looking to shore up their special teams units. Now, with the 49ers, Wright has another opportunity to prove his worth, this time on one of the NFL’s most talented and high-profile teams.
Conclusion
The signing of Matthew Wright signals the 49ers’ commitment to fixing their kicking issues as they continue their quest for Super Bowl glory. Wright’s experience, composure under pressure, and consistent performance will be critical as the team navigates the challenges of the regular season and prepares for the intensity of the postseason.
While it’s a difficult time for Jake Moody, the 49ers’ decision to bring in a veteran kicker is a calculated move designed to ensure that no aspect of their game holds them back. With Wright’s steady foot now in place, the 49ers can focus on the bigger picture: bringing a championship back to San Francisco.
Leave a Reply