The San Francisco 49ers have signed kicker Billy Cundiff on a one-year deal.

Regular placekicker David Akers has made just 29 of his 42 field-goal attempts this year.

Head coach Jim Harbaugh has said that the two kickers will compete for a place in the starting lineup in practice over the coming two weeks, as the 49ers have a bye week in the playoffs.

Cundiff played for Harbaugh's brother at the Baltimore Ravens last season, but missed a crucial field goal in the AFC Championship game which saw the New England Patriots go to the Super Bowl, and was cut in the off-season.

The 32-year-old also had a stint at the Washington Redskins earlier this year, but was released after making only seven of 12 attempts.