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49ers Sign Thomas Morstead to Challenge Mitch Wishnowsky for Punter Role

Special teams coordinator Brant Boyer has tapped Morstead for his proven leg power following Wishnowsky’s injury-marred 2024 campaign.

Sep 25, 2022; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins punter Thomas Morstead (4) punts the ball off of the backside of wide receiver Trent Sherfield (14) resulting in the ball going out of bounds and a safety for the Buffalo Bills during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports/File Photo
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NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – DECEMBER 22: Punter Thomas Morstead #6 of the New Orleans Saints talks with a referee in the second quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on December 22, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) (Kevin Hoffman, Getty Images)

Overview

  • A league source confirmed the 49ers signed veteran punter Thomas Morstead on May 28 and he marked the move with a “Grateful is an understatement! #49ers” post outside Levi’s Stadium.
  • Morstead became available after the Jets released him on May 13, clearing a projected $3.05 million salary cap hit.
  • The signing is part of a broader special teams overhaul led by Brant Boyer that has already added kicker Greg Joseph and long snapper Jon Weeks.
  • Incumbent punter Mitch Wishnowsky, who signed a four-year extension in 2022, missed eight regular-season games with knee and back injuries and finished last season with a career-low net average.
  • Morstead, a Pro Bowl selection in 2012, ranks 11th in NFL history with a 46.8-yard gross punting average and has downed over 350 punts inside opponents’ 20-yard line.