Breaking news: Detroit Lions’ standout player sign a mega deal with the 49ers
Despite not playing in the same division, the Detroit Lions and San Francisco 49ers have developed a rivalry over the last two seasons. In the 2023 NFC Championship Game, Detroit led 24-7 at the half, but Brock Purdy’s comeback prevented the Lions from making their first Super Bowl trip.
When the two teams met again in December of last year, the 49ers were headed to the offseason, but Detroit played as if their careers depended on it, winning 40-34. The triumph gave the Lions the best record in the NFC at 15-2 and set the tone for their matchup with the Minnesota Vikings the following week.
Although it is not anticipated that the two teams will meet this coming season, it is possible if both teams perform to their full capacity. Because he could join San Francisco before the conclusion of offseason team activities (OTAs), a former Lion seeking employment provides for an interesting plot point.
Matt Prater, a former Lions kicker, may be of interest to the 49ers.
The Lions had few bright spots in the 2010s, but former kicker Matt Prater was an anomaly. After moving to Detroit in 2014, Prater played for seven years. He was a standout player who made the Pro Bowl in 2016 and hit 84.4% of his field goal attempts and 95.9% of his extra points. But after the 2020 season, Prater’s stint in Detroit ended, and he has now played for the Arizona Cardinals for the last four seasons.
During his first three seasons in the desert, Prater maintained his consistency, making 84.2% of his field goal attempts and 95.6% of his extra points. Prater returned for another season in 2024, but it was cut short after four games due to a meniscus injury, despite recording his longest make of 62 yards.
Prater could have trouble finding a job on the free agency market at age 41. However, the 49ers could be interested in him.
In the 2023 NFL Draft, San Francisco selected Moody in the third round, but they haven’t seen any return on their investment. He made a solid 84% of his field goal attempts and 98.4% of his extra points last season, but in his sophomore year, his percentages fell to 70.6% and 97%, respectively.
Moody is forced to work hard for his job this summer, but he won’t be alone himself. To assist Moody, the 49ers recruited experienced long snapper Jon Weeks and brought on new special teams coach Brant Boyer. However, according to Jennifer Lee Chan of NBC Sports Bay Area, the team would add a veteran kicker to compete with the rookie kicker following the draft.
There aren’t many possibilities that would make sense besides Prater, and that signing hasn’t happened yet. Prater has the finest record and may be called in to at least demonstrate his abilities, although Nick Folk, Eddy Pineiro, and fellow former Lion Michael Badgley are also available.
