The 49ers eye Syracuse punter Jack Stonehouse Jr., potentially sparking another high-stakes draft decision after the divisive Jake Moody pick.
The San Francisco 49ers were largely able to keep their special teams unit intact this offseason, but one big change is coming at punter. After moving on from veteran Thomas Morstead and signing Corliss Waitman to a one year, $1.29 million deal, the team may not be done tinkering with the position.
According to insider Ryan Fowler, the 49ers’ interest in Syracuse punter Jack Stonehouse Jr. has remained constant throughout the pre draft process. This week, special teams coordinator Brant Boyer reportedly held a private virtual meeting with Stonehouse, signaling that a training camp competition could be on the horizon.
Another Special Teams Draft Pick?
Niners fans may feel a sense of déjà vu but not the good kind. The last time San Francisco used draft capital on a specialist was in 2023 with kicker Jake Moody. That move proved polarizing, as Moody eventually spent time with the Bears and Commanders in 2025 after a rocky tenure in the Bay.
Burning a draft pick on a punter when the roster has pressing needs at offensive tackle and edge rusher would be a bold move for John Lynch. However, Fowler notes that if the team doesn't draft Stonehouse, he is a primary target for the undrafted free agent (UDFA) pool.
The Tale of the Tape: Waitman vs. Stonehouse
If the 49ers do bring in Stonehouse, he faces an uphill battle against the veteran Waitman.
Corliss Waitman vs. Jack Stonehouse Jr.
- Corliss Waitman (Pro): Punt Average: 45.0 Yards (Steelers), Inside the 20: 26 on 62 attempts, Longest Punt: 63 Yards, Footedness: Left-footed
- Jack Stonehouse Jr. (College): Punt Average: 47.0 Yards (Syracuse), Inside the 20: 14 on 59 attempts, Longest Punt: 64 Yards, Footedness: Right-footed
Waitman holds a significant advantage with his left foot. Many special teams coordinators, including Boyer, prefer southpaw punters because the ball spins in the opposite direction, making it notoriously difficult for returners to track and muff prone. Waitman also proved more efficient at pinning opponents deep last season.
The "Missed" Reunion
Some fans had hoped for a reunion with former 49er Bradley Pinion this spring. However, Pinion opted for a one year, $1.48 million deal with the Miami Dolphins, where he joins another former 49ers specialist, long snapper Taybor Pepper.
Waitman represents a slightly cheaper veteran alternative, but the meeting with Stonehouse suggests Boyer wants a safety net. Whether through the late rounds of the draft or a post draft signing, the 49ers appear determined to have a punter competition in Santa Clara this summer.