A new leg enters the 49ers fray as they sign a new punter to the team.
The San Francisco 49ers are making another change at punter as they continue reshaping their special teams unit heading into the 2026 season.
San Francisco has reportedly signed veteran punter Corliss Waitman, bringing an end to Thomas Morstead’s brief tenure with the team after just one year in the Bay Area.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported Saturday that the 49ers reached an agreement with Waitman, with the punter’s agent confirming the deal shortly afterward.
The move signals a clear shift for San Francisco’s special teams group as the organization continues searching for long-term stability at the position.
Morstead quickly acknowledged the change, posting a farewell message to the team and its fans on social media.
“Thank you, 49ers,” Morstead wrote. “First class organization. Elite culture built by amazing teammates and coaches. Grateful for the experience.”
Morstead appeared in all 17 games during the 2025 season, punting 44 times for 1,919 yards while averaging 43.6 yards per kick.
He also placed 22 punts inside the opponent’s 20-yard line and recorded just one touchback.
The longtime NFL veteran added four punts in two postseason games as well.
Despite his steady performance, the 49ers appear to be looking for a slightly stronger leg and a new direction for their coverage unit.
Waitman brings a slightly higher average and recent production that may fit what the team is looking for.
Originally entering the league as an undrafted free agent with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2020, Waitman spent his early years bouncing between practice squads before earning larger opportunities.
His first extended action came with the Denver Broncos before he returned to Pittsburgh for the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
In 2025, Waitman punted 62 times for 2,823 yards, averaging 45.5 yards per punt. That mark ranked slightly ahead of Morstead’s average, while his 26 punts inside the 20-yard line ranked 10th in the NFL.
Another encouraging number for San Francisco was the limited return production allowed on his kicks. Waitman surrendered 176 return yards last season compared to the 284 yards allowed on Morstead’s punts.
While coverage success often depends on the entire special teams unit, the difference could provide a small but meaningful improvement for the 49ers.
The move also continues a recent trend for San Francisco at the position. Since longtime punter Mitch Wishnowsky was released following an injury-shortened 2024 season, the 49ers have cycled through multiple options while trying to solidify the role.
With kicker Eddy Piñeiro and long snapper Jon Weeks both returning this offseason, Waitman will now step into the final piece of the 49ers’ special teams trio.
The team hopes the veteran can bring consistency and field-position advantages as San Francisco pushes toward another postseason run in 2026.