Santa Clara, CA (Sports Network) - The San Francisco 49ers have signed kicker Billy Cundiff to a one-year contract in the wake of David Akers' struggles.

Akers made his sixth Pro Bowl last season and tied an NFL record with a 63- yard field goal back in the season opener, but the veteran kicker has missed seven of his last 17 attempts for the NFC West champs.

San Francisco earned a first-round bye in the playoffs, allowing Akers and Cundiff to seemingly battle for the placekicking position.

Cundiff, best known for missing a 32-yard field goal in the closing seconds of the AFC Championship Game last year while with the Ravens, was cut by the Washington Redskins back in October after making just 7-of-12 field goals.

To make room on the roster, the club waived linebacker Eric Bakhtiari.

The Sports Network