The 49ers didnât take long to find their next kicker.
Just hours after waiving Jake Moody, the 49ers signed veteran Eddy Pineiro, who worked out for the team on Tuesday, according to NFL Networkâs Ian Rapoport.
The 29-year-old Pineiro spent the last three seasons with the Panthers, converting 80-of-90 (88.9%) field goals and 80-of-87 extra points (92%).
The 49ers visit the Saints in Week 2, seeking a 2-0 start.
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Why Was Jake Moody Released?
Moody missed a 27-yard field goal and had a 36-yard attempt blocked in a Week 1 over the Seahawks. He did connect on a 32-yard kick.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan said postgame there was âno questionâ Moody would remain the kicker, but he was far less committal on Monday.
âWeâre looking into all that stuff now,â Shanahan said, via ESPNâs Nick Wagoner. âI mean thereâs options just whether itâs stay the status quo, bringing in guys for workouts, practice squad, but weâre through all that stuff right now. I just finished with the team, and I know the personnel departmentâs going to look into all that stuff and give us those options.â
Moody was the first kicker drafted in 2023, going in the third round (No. 99 overall) after a standout career at Michigan. He was two-time All-Big Ten and won the 2021 Lou Groza Award, given to the top kicker in college football.
As a rookie, Moody made 84% (21-of-25) of his field goals. That dipped to 70.6% (24-of-34) in 2024, and he was just 10-of-20 from 40 yards or more.
Why Did the 49ers Sign Eddy Pineiro?
Pineiro made 22-of-26 (84.6%) field goals for Carolina in 2024 before hitting free agency. His 88.1% career field goal percentage ranks third among currently signed kickers behind Harrison Butker (88.7%) and Chris Boswell (88.1%) and fourth all-time.
Pineiro has familiarity with current 49ers special teams coach Brant Boyer from his time with the Jets in 2021. Pineiro also kicked for the Bears (2019).
Though kickers can be unpredictable, Pineiroâs track record should ease San Franciscoâs concerns.
What Sport Did Eddy Pineiro Play Besides Football?
Pineiro grew up in Miami playing soccer and signed a letter of intent to play at Florida Atlantic University, but after failing to meet the academic requirements, he changed those plans and enrolled at nearby ASA College.
Pineiro eventually landed in the SEC where in his season debut for Florida in 2016, he became just the third Gators kicker in 35 years to hit three 40-yard field goals in a game.
He told ESPN in 2016, âIt was strictly soccer until I found out I could hit a freaking 60-yard field goal.â
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