Why Commanders signed kicker Jake Moody who beat them earlier in the season

Teddy Ricketson

Why Commanders signed kicker Jake Moody who beat them earlier in the season image

The Washington Commanders have signed kicker Jake Moody from the Chicago Bears' practice squad. Moody re-unites with Washington, but not because he has kicked for them before.

When Moody was the active kicker for Chicago, he nailed a game-winning field goal against Washington. 

The Commanders are coming off a 16-13 overtime loss to the Miami Dolphins in Madrid. Former Washington kicker Matt Gay was 2-4 on his field goal attempts and made his lone extra point. This performance caused the Commanders to release Gay, and they were needing a replacement. Washington is on bye, but didn't wait long to make a move for Moody. 

Here is more on why the Commanders signed Moody. 

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Who is Jake Moody?

Moody kicked for Michigan from 2018 to 2022. He was drafted in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers. Despite the high draft capital on a kicker, the 49ers parted with Moody after Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season.

The kicker missed two of his three field goal attempts in Week 1, which resulted in San Francisco cutting him. Three days later, he signed with the Bears. Moody was activated to kick in place of Chicago starter Cairo Santos, who was injured. He kicked for the Bears in Week 6 and Week 7, but was relegated back to the practice squad when Santos was healthy. Moody hasn't been active in a game since an October 19 win over the New Orleans Saints.

Jake Moody teams

  • San Francisco 49ers (2023-2025)
  • Chicago Bears (2025)
  • Washington Commanders (2025-present)

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Why did the Bears cut Jake Moody?

The Bears didn't cut Jake Moody. The kicker was signed to Chicago's practice squad until Santos got hurt. He was then elevated to the active roster for two games, but then relegated back to the practice squad when Santos was active. Moody has been on the practice squad for Chicago ever since. 

Moody was released already in the 2025 season, but it was by the 49ers. The kicker went 1-for-3 in a season-opening win over the Seattle Seahawks, but the performance was bad enough that San Francisco wanted to move on. 

Jake Moody season stats

  • Field goal attempts: 12
  • Made field goals: 9
  • Extra points: 5-5
  • Longest FG made: 48 yards
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