Thomas Morstead Signs With San Francisco 49ers Amid Special Teams Shift
The San Francisco 49ers made a noteworthy adjustment to their roster on May 28, 2025, signing veteran Punter Thomas Morstead to a one-year contract. Though punters rarely make headlines, Morstead’s arrival is not just a minor transaction. It reflects the team’s growing emphasis on experience and consistency, especially within the often-overlooked special teams unit.
With new coordinator Brant Boyer now in charge, the signing marks another deliberate step in reshaping that third phase of the game. The 49ers appear to be doubling down on discipline and dependability this offseason.
Morstead’s Steady Foot and Veteran Presence
Thomas Morstead is not a young name in football. At 39 years old, he has seen a lot and done even more. He first entered the league in 2009 and became a fixture with the New Orleans Saints for over a decade. After his long tenure there, he continued his career with the New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, and Atlanta Falcons. Now, he brings that wealth of experience to a 49ers team hungry for championship success.
Across 255 regular-season games, Morstead has been remarkably reliable. He currently ranks 11th all-time in gross punting average at 46.8 yards. That is not just solid. It is historically good. But what stands out more than his stats is how consistently he performs under pressure. Whether flipping field position in a tight playoff game or placing a ball perfectly inside the 10-yard line, Morstead has shown the kind of execution that coaches do not have to worry about.
Beyond the numbers, he brings maturity and a calm locker room presence. He is the kind of player that younger guys can look to when the game gets messy. The kind of guy who has been there, done that and knows how to do it all over again.
Wishnowsky Out, Familiar Faces In
To bring in Morstead, the 49ers released Punter Mitch Wishnowsky. He had been with the team since being drafted in 2019. While he had some strong moments early in his career, injuries in 2024 hampered his effectiveness. His average declined, and his punts began losing both distance and accuracy. The coaching staff saw the writing on the wall. It was a hard decision, but not a surprising one.
Brant Boyer’s role in the transition cannot be ignored. The newly hired special teams coordinator previously worked with Morstead during their time with the Jets. That connection seems to have played a big part in this reunion. Boyer has wasted no time putting his fingerprints on the roster. Earlier in the offseason, the team also brought in Kicker Greg Joseph and Long Snapper Jon Weeks. Both of them also worked with Boyer in the past.
There is a clear pattern forming. Boyer wants players he knows. Players who know his system. Players who can be counted on.
A Subtle But Serious Message
Bringing in Morstead sends a message. It says the 49ers are not willing to leave special teams to chance. They are done hoping things work out. They want players who already know how to execute at a high level. That means fewer variables. Fewer mistakes. More control over hidden yardage, field position, and game tempo.
This is not about flash. Morstead is not going to be on highlight reels. But he is going to change games in quiet ways. A perfectly placed punt. A crucial flip of the field. A calm presence when the game gets tense. All of those things matter. Especially in the postseason, when every inch counts and special teams errors can derail a season.
The 49ers did not just sign a punter. They signed a professional. A veteran. A proven piece of the puzzle. And with Boyer steering the ship, it looks like the team is putting together a special teams unit that will be ready, sharp, and quietly dangerous. Morstead might not be the flashiest move of the offseason, but if the 49ers get where they want to go, he could turn out to be one of the most important.
