The 49ers have parted ways with kicker Zane Gonzalez with an injury settlement after trading for him earlier this offseason.
Veteran kicker Zane Gonzalez had little chance to make the San Francisco 49ers' 53-man roster as soon as the team used a Round 3 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft on former Michigan kicker Jake Moody.
Prior to that, though, Gonzalez looked as if he was going to be the hand-picked successor on the Niners to their previous stalwart, Robbie Gould, who wasn't retained when he hit the free-agent market last March.
Instead, San Francisco executed a low-end trade with the Carolina Panthers for Gonzalez, one that involved an exchange of seventh-round picks. At that moment, it seemed Gonzalez would be taking over for Gould.
Until Moody became quite the surprise selection for the 49ers.
The Niners retained both kickers through training camp and into the preseason. And while both Gonzalez and Moody suffered injuries during the exhibition phase, the latter's job with San Francisco was still safe.
49ers part ways with Zane Gonzalez by removing him from injured reserve
Gonzalez, meanwhile, landed on injured reserve prior to roster cuts because of a calf injury suffered just prior to the 49ers' preseason finale against the Los Angeles Chargers. Since he was placed on IR before cuts took place the following Tuesday, he wouldn't have been eligible to suit up for the Niners all season.
On Tuesday, however, the NFL transaction wire revealed that San Francisco had removed Gonzalez from IR with an injury settlement, making the 28-year-old veteran a free agent. The move futher ensures Moody is locked in moving forw
Additionally, the 49ers also parted ways with defensive back A.J. Parker, who was also on season-ending IR and now has an injury settlement.
49ers Webzone shared the news on Tuesday.