Key Highlights
- The Washington Commanders signed Jake Moody from the Chicago Bears’ practice squad to replace Matt Gay.
- Miraculously, Moody made a 38-yard field goal in the final seconds of a game against the Bears on October 13, 2025, winning 25-24 for the Commanders.
- The Bears originally brought Moody on as a contingency plan after Cairo Santos got hurt.
- Matt Gay was cut by the Commanders to make room for Moody.
New Kicker for Washington Commanders: Jake Moody
On November 17, 2025, it was announced that the Washington Commanders would sign Jake Moody from the Chicago Bears’ practice squad to their active roster. This move comes as part of a strategic decision by the Commanders, who were looking for an alternative kicker after cutting Matt Gay.
Moody’s journey with the Bears began when he joined their practice squad following his release by the San Francisco 49ers after their opening game. He stayed on the Bears’ roster until Cairo Santos suffered an injury that put him out of action, leading to Moody’s crucial moment against the Bears on October 13, 2025.
In this pivotal game, Moody demonstrated his skill under pressure by making four out of five field goals, including a dramatic last-second 38-yarder that sealed the win for the Commanders.
This performance was not an isolated incident; he also converted all four attempts in a subsequent match against the New Orleans Saints.
Although the Bears remained committed to Santos, who had a strong season with an 80% success rate and a history of accuracy at Soldier Field, they brought Moody on as a precautionary measure. Santos returned from his absence after missing just two games and sealed the victory over the Minnesota Vikings with a critical field goal in the final seconds.
With Moody now signed to the Commanders, fans will be keenly watching how he performs in future matches against the Bears, who are currently leading the NFC North division with a 7-3 record. The Bears’ commitment to Santos suggests they have faith in his abilities, but Moody’s recent success could potentially challenge his position.