SANTA CLARA, CA – The San Francisco 49ers have solidified their special teams unit, agreeing to a long-term contract extension with kicker Eddy Piñeiro, according to reports. The deal, worth a reported $17 million with $10 million guaranteed, prevents Piñeiro from reaching free agency and signals a clear vote of confidence from the organization.
The move comes after a stellar 2025 season for Piñeiro, who stepped into the role following the 49ers’ decision to cut Jake Moody in September 2025. General Manager John Lynch emphasized the importance of securing Piñeiro’s services, stating at the NFL Combine, “Eddy was simply fantastic. I don’t know if anyone else could have done it better.”
A Resounding Season Following Moody’s Departure
Piñeiro’s arrival proved to be a pivotal moment for the 49ers. He converted 28 of 29 field goal attempts throughout the season, including an impressive six kicks from beyond 50 yards. His only miss came on a 64-yard attempt against the Indianapolis Colts, a kick that narrowly sailed just outside the uprights.
With a 96.6% field goal percentage, Piñeiro delivered one of the most accurate kicking seasons in franchise history. This level of consistency was a welcome change for a 49ers team that had struggled with kicking stability since the departure of Robbie Gould after the 2022 season.
Addressing a History of Special Teams Instability
The 49ers’ pursuit of Piñeiro’s long-term commitment reflects a broader effort to establish consistency within their special teams. Following Gould’s departure, the team had been searching for a reliable kicker, a need that became particularly apparent during the 2023 and 2024 seasons. The decision to move on from Moody, despite being a third-round draft pick, underscored the team’s commitment to finding a solution that would provide consistent performance in crucial moments.
Piñeiro’s career field goal percentage of 89.7% (since 2000, with a minimum of 50 attempts) ranks third among all NFL kickers, further highlighting his reliability and accuracy. This track record, combined with his exceptional 2025 performance, made him a priority for the 49ers during the offseason.
The 49ers aren’t stopping with Piñeiro. The team has also worked to secure continuity at other specialist positions, re-signing long snapper Jon Weeks and continuing discussions with punter Thomas Morstead, demonstrating a commitment to building a dependable special teams unit.
The situation with Moody was a challenging one, as Lynch explained in September 2025. He acknowledged Moody’s promising rookie season, which included a Super Bowl appearance, and his strong start to his second year before a significant injury. Lynch noted the mental toll that missed kicks can take on a player, particularly within a team with high expectations. The 49ers determined that a change was necessary to ensure stability at the kicker position.
Piñeiro’s success wasn’t just about accuracy; it was about providing a sense of calm and confidence in a critical phase of the game. His ability to consistently deliver under pressure proved invaluable for the 49ers, and the team clearly recognizes the importance of retaining that asset for years to come.
For fans, the stability at kicker is a welcome sign. The 49ers’ pursuit of a Super Bowl title often comes down to close games, and a reliable kicker can be the difference between victory and defeat. Piñeiro’s performance has already demonstrated his ability to deliver in those high-stakes moments, and the long-term extension ensures that he will continue to be a key component of the 49ers’ success.
The 49ers’ investment in Piñeiro is a clear indication of their commitment to building a championship-caliber team. By addressing a critical need and securing a proven performer, the team has taken a significant step towards achieving its ultimate goal.
The team will now turn its attention to other offseason priorities, including addressing needs on both sides of the ball. However, with Piñeiro secured, the 49ers can approach the rest of the offseason with a sense of confidence and stability in their special teams unit.
Next up for the 49ers is the continuation of offseason workouts and preparations for the 2026 NFL Draft. Maintain an eye on the team’s official website for updates on these developments.
