The San Francisco 49ers have an interesting decision to make with the kicker position this offseason. After second-year kicker Jake Moody struggled mightily, the NNiners may opt for a fresh start.
If they do, one potential option could be University of Miami kicker Andres Borregales.
San Francisco reportedly met with the kicker, who has declared for the NFL Draft, along with many other teams ahead of the Shrine Bowl, which showcases college players in front of NFL scouts and executives.
One of the premier kickers in the class, Miami’s Andres Borregales met with a long list of teams during Shrine week, including the following:
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) January 28, 2025
• Broncos
• Steelers
• Commanders
• Colts
• 49ers
• Saints
• Eagles
• Lions
• Seahawks
• Titans pic.twitter.com/6gqMULSewT
Borregales is considered to be one of the best kickers available in the draft, and it is easy to understand why. He had a very good career-field goal percentage at Miami, making 86 percent of field goals he attempted in his four-year career. His 2024 senior year was his best, making 18 of 19 field-goal attempts and all of his extra-point attempts.
Of course, the only reason the 49ers may even entertain drafting Borregales is because of the struggles Moody had in 2024. The 2023 third-round draftee started off the year solid, making 13 of 14 field-goal attempts through Week 5. But an ankle sprain suffered making a tackle in Week 5 kept Moody out of action for three games. When he returned, he was not the same, making only 11 of his 20 field-goal attempts in that time. It was clear he had lost his confidence by the end of the season.
Newly hired special teams coordinator Brant Boyer may have a large say in whether Moody stays or goes next season. He may think Moody just had a rough stretch coming back from an injury and can get him back on track, or he may think San Francisco would benefit from a fresh start.
If the Niners did move on from Moody, many fans would be wary of the team making the same mistake by drafting another kicker early. Moody was drafted 99th overall in 2023, which was considered a notable reach at the time and looks even worse now. San Francisco may be better served pursuing a proven veteran kicker in free agency rather than drafting an unproven product.
Yet, the fact that the Niners met with Borregales signals that they are at least entertaining bringing in a new kicker for 2025.
That could mean that Moody's days as a member of the 49ers are numbered.