Are the kicker pickin's really this slim?

[LarryN]

49ers sign Billy Cundiff

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/88...te-david-akers

The San Francisco 49ers signed kicker Billy Cundiff on Tuesday to compete with struggling veteran David Akers.

"He's thrilled with the opportunity to be in a position to help the team in any way he can this postseason," said Cundiff's agent, Paul Sheehy. "It's a great opportunity, with a great organization."

The team announced the move a day after coach Jim Harbaugh said that the NFC West champion Niners (11-4-1) -- off this week as the NFC's No. 2 seed -- planned to try out kickers because of Akers' prolonged funk.

Cundiff was released by the Washington Redskins on Oct. 9 after missing 5 of his 12 field goal attempts.

[jessup270]

Every top 25 college team has a kicker on their roster.

I can't believe if you looked at the kickers who graduated, from last years top 25 college teams, that you could not find a kicker better than Cundiff.

Kickers are not like other players in the NFL, they don't have to be fast, have bulk or be able to block, just basically just kick.

[Ravens2006]

If you have a young son, get him kicking! It's the easiest path to the NFL. It's not an easy job, but so few really dedicate time & effort to it...

Speaking of not being fast... ever watch Tucker haul his rear downfield in kick coverage? The kid hauls *** and goes 100% every time. I remember in SB 35 watching the Giants kicker basically jog around at midfield and make no attempt to get in his way, while Jermaine Lewis tiptoed down the sideline to the crushing score. It doesn't take much effort to at least try to stay straight up even with the return man as he's coming at you.

[CajunRaven]

49ers sign Billy Cundiff

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/88...te-david-akers

John must have given Jim the good word on Billy!

Or Jim stiffed John for Christmas.

[Rael]

It would be great strategy on John's part. There is the possibility of us facing Cundiff in the SB now.