Feb 3, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; San Francisco 49ers kicker David Akers (2) kicks a field goal against the Baltimore Ravens in the first quarter in Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The San Francisco 49ers announced today the release of K David Akers. The news comes as no surprise as he was due well over $3 million this year. The 49ers GM Trent Baalke released a statement saying:

The 49ers would like to thank David for his service, dedication and leadership over the past two years. He is a true professional who represented himself and this organization with class. We wish him, and his family, all the best.

In two season with the 49ers, Akers started 32 games and connected on 73 of 94 field-goal attempts while making all 78 of his PATS. Furthermore, Akers set a 49ers franchise-record for most consecutive field-goals made with 32. In 2011, Akers played like a man possessed setting NFL records for field-goals made (44) and attempts (52). However, the 2012 season proved to be a bad one as Akers led the league in missed field-goals while only connecting on 69% of his attempts.

With Akers now officially out of the picture, who will the 49ers target? I think it’s safe to say they will use one of their 15 draft picks on a kicker. Some kickers that come to mind are Dustin Hopkins (Florida State), Caleb Sturgis (Florida), and Quinn Sharp (Oklahoma State).

December 30, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers punter Andy Lee (4) and kicker David Akers (2) react after missing a field goal against the Arizona Cardinals during the second quarter at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

According to numerous reports, San Francisco 49ers kicker David Akers will be released before the free-agency period starts on March 12. The news should come as no surprise, as Akers struggled throughout the 2012 season capped off by missing a league-high 15 field goals. As the season wore on, news came out that he had undergone surgery for a double sports hernia in February, and was dealing with complications all season long. However, despite the injury, the 49ers fan base took a holds no prisoners attitude when it came to Akers’ poor play.

The Forever Faithful became increasingly frustrated with Akers inconsistency, especially fans sitting in lower box sections 12 and 14. As a number of fans would yell at him during home games, as one fan screamed, “Akers I didn’t know you played for the other team!” As if that was not bad enough, some fans took it too far by sending Akers death threats through his twitter account, an account Akers would later deactivate. Akers struggles continued into the playoffs as he missed another field-goal in the NFC Championship game against the Atlanta Falcons. It became apparent from that point on, that the 49ers would not be able to count on Akers, if they were to win Super Bowl XLVII.

With the release of Akers, the 49ers will surely be looking for his viable replacement but the question is who? Jay Feely or Neil Rackers may be in the early running but that still remains to be seen. Now that Akers is gone, do not be surprised if 49ers General Manager Trent Baalke selects a kicker at some point during this year’s draft, as they are loaded with 15 picks.

April 27, 2012; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh and first round draft pick wide receiver A.J. Jenkins and general manager Trent Baalke pose for a photo at the 49ers headquarters. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

1. A.J. Jenkins- The guy has been an absolute bust this year, despite high-praise coming out of the University of Illinois. The former first-round talent was supposed to be the complimentary deep-threat to WR Michael Crabtree, but instead was mainly a practice squad player watching from the sidelines. Jenkins appeared in only three games during the regular season, making no impact whatsoever. A huge disappointment for a player that was highly praised coming out of the draft. The 49ers regime took a swing and missed on this one, as Jenkins is quickly becoming GM Trent Baalke’s first of potentially many, first-round busts.

Jan 20, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; San Francisco 49ers kicker David Akers (2) reacts after missing a 38-yard field goal against the Atlanta Falcons during the third quarter of the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

2. David Akers- This was a no-brainer choice, as no player had a more disappointing season than Akers. A player that was arguably the team’s MVP in 2011, quickly became the team’s achilles heel in 2012. The player known for his acute accuracy and strong leg was not himself. His confidence wavered and his ability to make the routine chip shot field-goals was always in doubt. Furthermore, although he set the NFL-record for the longest field-goal made of 63 yards, he also led the league in missed field-goals with 13.

Feb 3, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Jacoby Jones (12) makes a catch for a touchdown against San Francisco 49ers defensive back Chris Culliver (29) during the second quarter in Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports

3. Chris Culliver- The player known as “Cully” played relatively well during the regular season but had a significant drop off in the playoffs. He was consistently beat on double moves and was often picked on. However, despite his poor playoff performance, it was his off-field actions, that garnered headlines. His anti-gay remarks during Super Bowl week were both condescending and inappropriate. I should point out that he did apologize for his words and is taking full responsibility for his actions. Whether the 49ers will retain his services after his rookie contract expires remains to be seen, as he will need to have a huge 2013 season in order to even be considered a contract extension.

Feb 3, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Jacoby Jones (12) returns the third quarter kickoff for a touchdown past San Francisco 49ers defensive back Tramaine Brock (26) in Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

4. Tramaine Brock- Brock has been nothing more than a special teams plug. A player that is only regulated to special teams duties, does not provide much value for a Super Bowl contender. And 2012 is no different. Although a serviceable backup, Brock should be let go, as his secondary play has been down right awful. His inability to stick with receivers and make plays on the ball is what prompted his demotion in the first place.

Oct. 29, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver (84) Randy Moss runs for a third quarter touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Cardinals 24-3. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

5. Randy Moss- The player that was supposed to revive his career in San Francisco and be that missing piece to the offense was sorely missed. Moss was seldom used throughout the year, and never made the splash we all had hoped. His poor play during Super Bowl XLVII was both frustrating and demoralizing. Simply put, a once dominant player that clearly lost a step or two. In his only season as a Niner, Moss racked up 28 catches for 434 yards and three touchdowns. Although he provided a great locker room presence, Moss will most likely not be retained.