### 49ers Shake Up Special Teams: A New Era Begins with Thomas Morstead The San Francisco 49ers have made significant changes to their special teams unit, waiving veteran punter Mitch Wishnowsky after six seasons and signing 39-year-old Thomas Morstead, a seasoned NFL punter. This decision reflects a strategic overhaul influenced by new special teams coordinator Brant Boyer, who previously worked with the New York Jets, where Morstead played for the last two seasons. The 49ers are clearly aiming to bolster their special teams after a challenging 2024 season, during which they also released long snapper Taybor Pepper and added Jon Weeks. Notably, kicker Jake Moody remains on the roster despite a rocky previous season, as the team has brought in veteran Greg Joseph to compete for the kicking position [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/kyle_shanahan_explains_why_the_49ers_made_a_punter_change/s1_17111_42262978][https://www.bastillepost.com/global/article/4892605-49ers-make-a-switch-at-punter-signing-thomas-morstead-and-cutting-mitch-wishnowsky]. ### Breakdown of the 49ers' Special Teams Changes 1. **Punter Change**: - The 49ers waived Mitch Wishnowsky, who had been with the team since 2019, and signed Thomas Morstead to a one-year deal. - Morstead, a former Pro Bowler, has a wealth of experience, having played 16 seasons in the NFL, primarily with the New Orleans Saints [https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/thomas-morstead-says-he-will-sign-with-49ers]. 2. **Impact of Brant Boyer**: - Boyer’s arrival as special teams coordinator has led to multiple personnel changes, indicating a shift in strategy for the 49ers' special teams unit [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/kyle_shanahan_explains_why_the_49ers_made_a_punter_change/s1_17111_42262978]. 3. **Additional Roster Moves**: - Alongside Wishnowsky's release, the team also cut long snapper Taybor Pepper and signed Jon Weeks, further indicating a comprehensive overhaul of the special teams [https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/49ers-cut-p-mitch-wishnowsky-after-signing-thomas-morstead]. 4. **Kicking Competition**: - Kicker Jake Moody remains on the roster despite a difficult 2024 season, but the addition of Greg Joseph suggests the team is looking to enhance competition in the kicking game [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/kyle_shanahan_explains_why_the_49ers_made_a_punter_change/s1_17111_42262978]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Mitch Wishnowsky**: - Averaged 45.2 yards per punt over nine games in 2024, but struggled with injuries, leading to his release [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/49ers_waive_mitch_wishnowsky_sign_veteran_punter_as_part_of_roster_moves/s1_17111_42255839]. - **Thomas Morstead**: - In the 2024 season, Morstead averaged 40.7 net yards per punt and has a career average of 46.5 yards per punt [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/49ers_sign_veteran_punter_as_otas_begin/s1_17111_42253692]. - He ranks second among active players in total punts and punting yards, showcasing his extensive experience [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/49ers_sign_veteran_punter_as_otas_begin/s1_17111_42253692]. ### Conclusion: A Strategic Shift for the 49ers The San Francisco 49ers are clearly committed to improving their special teams unit through strategic personnel changes. The decision to release Mitch Wishnowsky and sign Thomas Morstead marks a significant shift, driven by the influence of new special teams coordinator Brant Boyer. 1. **Personnel Overhaul**: The 49ers are not just changing punters; they are revamping their entire special teams strategy. 2. **Experience Matters**: The addition of Morstead brings a wealth of experience that the team hopes will stabilize their special teams. 3. **Future Competition**: With the introduction of Greg Joseph, the competition for the kicking position is set to intensify, potentially leading to improved performance in the upcoming season. These changes reflect the 49ers' proactive approach to addressing past struggles and enhancing their overall team performance [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/49ers_sign_veteran_punter_as_otas_begin/s1_17111_42253692][https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/49ers-cut-p-mitch-wishnowsky-after-signing-thomas-morstead].