The San Francisco 49ers just started training camp and there are plenty of storylines to follow. One camp battle that has caught the attention of edge rusher Nick Bosa is the kicking competition between Jake Moody and Greg Joseph.
Bosa commented on the competition when asked about it in his press conference yesterday, saying, "I actually am paying attention. Can't lie... it's kind of exciting."
"I actually am paying attention. Can't lie — it's kinda exciting."
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) July 23, 2025
Nick Bosa on the kicking competition pic.twitter.com/Mk1nyO98S7
Bosa is not the only one taking notice of the battle as head coach Kyle Shanahan commented on it as well after neither kicker missed on the first day of camp, saying he thinks it should be a good competition.
It is not a huge surprise that Moody has competition for his job after last season. He struggled mightily after a high-ankle sprain early in the season which forced him to miss several weeks. After he returned, he just did not look right and he finished the season having made only 24 of his 34 field-goal attempts.
Moody had a better rookie campaign in 2023, making 21 of his 25 field-goal attempts for a respectable 84 percent field-goal percentage. He also made some clutch kicks in the Super Bowl.
Yet, after last year the Niners had to do something because his struggles were too glaring to ignore. That is why San Francisco brought in veteran Greg Joseph to push Moody. Joseph already showed everyone he is serious about earning a job back in mandatory minicamp last month and it looks like he is continuing to impress in training camp.
Joseph has been in the NFL since 2018 and has kicked for a number of teams. He has a career field-goal percentage of 82.3. Last season he spent time with three different teams and made 16 of his 20 field-goal attempts.
It will be interesting to see how this battle shakes out. Moody can try to redeem himself after his rough 2024, or maybe new special teams coordinator Brant Boyer likes what he sees from Joseph better and decides to shake things up.
Boyer already got rid of long-time punter Mitch Wishnowsky, so he may decide the team truly needs to start fresh on special teams.
We already know Bosa will be an interested spectator as this competition unfolds, as will the rest of the team and the fanbase. Kickers have a hard job, so whoever wins will be under intense scrutiny. But after last season, the 49ers need to improve in the kicker department.