Eddy Piñeiro didn’t just steady the ship for the 49ers’ special teams this season-he turned what had been a glaring weakness into one of the most reliable components of a playoff-caliber roster. In a league where games are routinely decided by a handful of plays-and often a single kick-having someone as consistent as Piñeiro changes the calculus for coaches. And for San Francisco, it was a game-changer.
Let’s be clear: Piñeiro’s 2025 season wasn’t just good. It was one of the most efficient kicking campaigns the franchise has seen in decades.
He drilled 31 of 32 field goal attempts, finishing with a league-best 96.6% success rate. That’s not just accuracy-that’s surgical precision.
His lone miss? A 64-yard attempt against the Colts that clanged off the crossbar.
Inches away from one of the longest makes in NFL history. Outside of that monster try, Piñeiro was a perfect 28-for-28 on all other field goals.
And when the pressure ratcheted up in the postseason, he didn’t flinch-hitting all three of his field goal attempts in two road playoff games. That kind of composure, especially in hostile environments, is exactly what separates a good kicker from a great one.
It’s also worth remembering where San Francisco started this season. The 49ers made the bold move to part ways with Jake Moody after Week 1-a decision that raised eyebrows at the time but now looks like one of the savviest calls the front office made all year. What was once a weekly concern turned into a position of strength, thanks to Piñeiro’s calm, confident presence.
But this isn’t just about performance. Piñeiro has made it clear he wants to be in San Francisco.
After the season, he spoke openly about his pride in representing the team and the fanbase. That kind of mutual buy-in matters, especially when you’re trying to build sustainable success.
From a financial standpoint, keeping Piñeiro around is a no-brainer. His current deal accounted for just over $1 million per year-roughly 0.35% of the team’s salary cap.
Even if the 49ers double that to lock him in long-term, he’d still be one of the best value plays on the roster. Elite production at a fraction of the cost?
That’s the kind of efficiency every GM dreams of.
The 49ers have built a roster capable of competing deep into January, and part of that formula is eliminating unnecessary risks. With Piñeiro, they’ve found rare stability at a position that too often swings games in the wrong direction. Letting that walk out the door now would be a step backward.
Bottom line: Eddy Piñeiro earned his spot-and then some. Extending him should be at the top of San Francisco’s offseason checklist.