Jake Moody’s salary story has turned into a mirror that reflects professional football’s opportunities and unpredictability. When he was first selected by the San Francisco 49ers in 2023, his four-year contract worth $5.45 million seemed incredibly effective for a kicker, indicating the team’s confidence in his dependability. The contract seemed remarkably resilient to the changing tides of NFL roster politics, especially given the $857,512 signing bonus and the corresponding amount guaranteed. However, by September 2025, Moody was waived, a fate that is remarkably similar to that of other highly drafted kickers and highlights how harsh the position can be.
Moody benefited greatly from his financial entry into the league in 2023, earning $1.6 million, which included base pay and the prorated signing bonus. With a $50,000 workout bonus added to his 2024 payout of $991,095, it was a significantly better indication of his worth to the 49ers at that point. When 2025 rolled around, his $1,446,568 cap hit suddenly seemed more heavy in comparison to San Francisco’s overall salary strategy, and the decision to sever ties brought to light the extremely effective but icy calculus that NFL teams rely on.
Moody’s salary became more than just a sum of money after he joined the Chicago Bears; it became a tale of perseverance. Chicago found that hiring a 25-year-old kicker with a track record of accuracy was surprisingly inexpensive when weighed against the expensive instability they had experienced since Cody Parkey’s notorious “double doink” miss in 2019. Moody’s arrival now signifies more than just payroll figures; it’s an opportunity to fill a void that has plagued the team for many years.
Table: Jake Moody Bio Data and Salary Information (2025)
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jake Moody |
| Date of Birth | November 23, 1999 |
| Age | 25 (as of 2025) |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) |
| Weight | 210 lbs (95 kg) |
| College | Michigan |
| NFL Draft | 2023, Round 3, Pick 99 (San Francisco 49ers) |
| Position | Placekicker |
| Rookie Contract | 4 years, $5,454,080 |
| Average Annual Salary | $1,363,520 |
| Signing Bonus | $857,512 |
| Guaranteed Money | $857,512 |
| 2023 Salary | $750,000 base + $214,378 bonus (Total $1,607,512) |
| 2024 Salary | $941,095 base + $214,378 bonus + $50,000 workout bonus |
| 2025 Salary | $1,182,190 base + $214,378 bonus + $50,000 workout bonus |
| 2026 Salary | $1,423,285 base (projected) |
| Current Team | Chicago Bears (signed September 2025) |
| Estimated Net Worth (2025) | Around $1 million |
| Reference | Spotrac – Jake Moody Salary |
Kickers hold an intriguing position within the NFL’s compensation structure. Kickers make about $860,000 a year, compared to quarterbacks like Joe Burrow who make up to $50 million. This disparity is particularly noticeable when comparing Moody’s $1.36 million average directly to kickers’ earnings. But with a single swing, those same kickers—who are frequently written off as interchangeable—frequently determine the results of games worth millions of dollars. While not exclusive to Moody’s, this paradox is especially novel in the way his career emphasizes the financial stakes involved.
Moody’s endorsement agreements provide an additional perspective on the economics of contemporary sports. Promotional links to websites like Fortnite and partnerships with companies like Barstool and State and Liberty show how even experts can use digital culture to diversify their revenue streams. These contracts are extremely versatile and provide stability when roster spots become vulnerable, but they are not extremely profitable. In this way, Moody’s career path is remarkably similar to that of athletes in other sports who have mastered the art of striking a balance between promotional opportunities and contract income.
Salary has a cultural fascination that goes beyond sports. Fans may consider Moody’s $1.36 million yearly salary to be incredibly stable wealth in comparison to the $74,000 median household income in the United States. However, in the exclusive realm of NFL contracts, Moody’s pay is modest—almost modest—when compared to megastars. In a matter of days, Cristiano Ronaldo receives his yearly salary, and Taylor Swift can surpass it with a single stadium performance that sells out. Even though these comparisons are striking, they serve to highlight how the public views and consumes salaries across industries.
The tenacity required of experts is demonstrated by Moody’s journey, even though San Francisco waived it. By statistical standards, his rookie accuracy was exceptionally effective, going 21 of 24 on field goals and 60 of 61 on extra points. However, even for players who perform consistently, one or two missed passes at the wrong time can drastically erode trust, as NFL history has demonstrated. Moody’s guaranteed signing bonus is especially important given the harshness of this reality, giving him financial stability while he navigates professional uncertainty.