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The Washington Commanders are moving on from Jake Moody after the veteran kicker struggled to establish consistency during training camp.
Washington plans to release Moody, with the move expected to become official Tuesday morning, according to multiple reports. The decision leaves undrafted rookie Drew Stevens as the team’s current kicker.
The Commanders entered training camp with Moody and Stevens competing for the job, but Stevens’ consistency ultimately gave him the edge.
Moody Struggled During Training Camp
Moody’s inconsistency became increasingly noticeable during Washington’s training camp.
During one recent practice, he missed four of six field-goal attempts from between 44 and 55 yards. He also hit the right upright on a 29-yard attempt during Friday’s 20-7 preseason victory over the Miami Dolphins, although the ball bounced over the crossbar for a successful kick.
Stevens, meanwhile, had been more reliable throughout camp. Three of his five misses came during the same practice, and he converted a 41-yard field goal against Miami.
The rookie was also viewed as having the stronger leg entering the competition.
Moody’s NFL Career Takes Another Turn
Moody, 26, was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft after winning the Lou Groza Award as the nation’s top college kicker in 2021.
He made 84% of his field-goal attempts as a rookie but saw that number drop to 70.6% in his second season.
San Francisco released Moody during the 2025 season after he converted just one of three field-goal attempts in the team’s opener. He subsequently spent time with the Chicago Bears before joining Washington.
Moody made 18 of 20 field-goal attempts between Chicago and Washington last season, including 10 of 11 during his six games with the Commanders.
Despite that success, his struggles in this year’s competition were enough for Washington to move on.
Drew Stevens Wins Kicking Competition
Stevens now appears to be the favorite to open the regular season as Washington’s kicker.
The 22-year-old joined the Commanders as an undrafted free agent after a productive career at Iowa. He made 80% of his field-goal attempts in college and was a four-time All-Big Ten selection.
Stevens also set Iowa records for career field goals made with 76 and longest field goal with a 58-yarder.
He made a 41-yard field goal in Washington’s preseason opener, further strengthening his case to win the competition.
Commanders Still Seeking Stability at Kicker
Washington’s decision to move on from Moody continues a period of instability at the position.
The Commanders have had seven different kickers attempt kicks during Dan Quinn’s tenure, creating a revolving door at a position where consistency is critical.
The team will now hope Stevens can provide some stability heading into the regular season. Washington also plans to sign running back Craig Reynolds, while Jeremy McNichols is expected to miss at least a couple of weeks with a quad injury.
