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The 49ers might look to add some competition atā¦punter?
TL;DR
The San Francisco 49ers have signed punter Corliss Waitman and are exploring adding competition at the position. They have shown interest in former Syracuse punter Jack Stonehouse, indicating plans to acquire another punter via the draft or undrafted free agency.
ATLANTA, GA - AUGUST 30: Punter Jack Stonehouse #41 of the Syracuse Orange punts during the Week 1 college football game between the Syracuse University Orange and the Tennessee Volunteers on August 30, 2025 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The San Francisco 49ers did not re-sign punter Thomas Morstead this offseason. Instead, they elected to add former Pittsburgh Steelers punter Corliss Waitman. The 31-year-old signed a one-year deal with the Niners during free agency.
NFL Insider Aaron Wilson reported that special teams coordinator Brant Boyer met virtually with former Syracuse punter Jack Stonehouse on Tuesday.
The Draft Networkās Ryan Fowler added that, āSan Francisco has expressed interest in Stonehouse throughout the process, and the team is expected to add a punter either through the draft or in the UDFA bucket.ā
At Syracuse, Stonehouse had an average hangtime of 4.29 in 2025. His yards per punt were 46.2, with a net of 41.7. In each of his four seasons in collegeāhe punted for Missouri as a true freshmanāStonehouse had a punt of at least 64 yards. His hangtime increased in each season, too. It was as low as 4.06 in 2022.
For reference, Morsteadās hangtime was 4.14 last season, with an average of 43.2 yards and a net of 36.9. Waitman fared much better, with an average hangtime of 4.52 last season with the Steelers, and an average of 45.4 with a net of 41.6.
If the team added Stonehouse as an undrafted free agent, it wouldnāt take some devastating cap hit to move off of Waitmanās contract. The 49ers gave Waitman $400,000 in guarantees this offseason. Add in his $75,000 signing bonus, and it would cost $475,000 in dead money to cut Waitman. Heās the 23rd-highest paid punter in the league. That is not a contract that guarantees Waitman a job to begin Week 1.
The last two draft picks the team used on specialists did not work out. Even if theyĀ reallyliked the idea of Stonehouse, using three fourth-round picks to fill depth or move back into the third round are all better team-building moves than drafting a punter.
The 49ers should be looking to add competition at every position, whether itās quarterback or punter. In this instance, taking a flyer on a specialist makes sense as an undrafted free agent.
Q&A
Why did the 49ers not re-sign punter Thomas Morstead?
The 49ers chose not to re-sign Thomas Morstead and instead signed Corliss Waitman, indicating a shift in their punting strategy.
Who is Jack Stonehouse and why is he being considered by the 49ers?
Jack Stonehouse is a former punter from Syracuse, and the 49ers are considering him as they look to add competition at the punter position.
What are the 49ers' plans for acquiring another punter?
The 49ers plan to add another punter either through the NFL draft or by signing an undrafted free agent.
