Thomas Morstead’s story is one of perseverance, professionalism, and passion for the game. At 39, most players would have already walked away, but Morstead continues to defy the odds
His signing with the 49ers might appear minor on the surface, but for those who understand the importance of special teams, it’s a calculated move that could pay dividends.
Whether he earns the job or not, Morstead’s presence will only strengthen San Francisco’s locker room.
Thomas Morstead’s release from the Jets may have come as a shock, but it hasn’t defined his career. Instead, it’s a new chapter in a story that’s still being written.
From Super Bowl champion to veteran journeyman, Morstead continues to prove why he’s respected in every locker room he enters.
His disappointment was real—but so is his resilience. Now with the 49ers, he has another chance to show the NFL that even in a business filled with surprises, professionalism and perseverance still matter.
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Thomas Morstead Joins 49ers to Battle for Punting Duties
Veteran punter Thomas Morstead is heading to the Bay Area as he embarks on a new chapter in his illustrious NFL career.1
After his unexpected release from the New York Jets, Morstead signed a one-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers, looking to compete for the starting punter job during training camp.
Known for his consistency, leadership, and booming leg, Morstead brings 15 seasons of NFL experience to the table, setting the stage for an intriguing competition this summer.
A Storied Career That Began in New Orleans
Morstead’s NFL journey began in 2009 when he was selected in the fifth round of the NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints.
He quickly established himself as one of the league’s top punters, showcasing remarkable poise and leg strength.
He played a pivotal role in the Saints’ special teams unit for over a decade, becoming one of the franchise’s most reliable players.
His contributions helped the Saints win Super Bowl XLIV in his rookie year, solidifying his legacy early in his career.
Grateful is an understatement!#49ers pic.twitter.com/VMaopGt2YD
— Thomas Morstead (@thomasmorstead) May 28, 2025
Reliable Veteran With a Proven Track Record
Throughout his career, Morstead has developed a reputation for accuracy, hang time, and situational awareness. He has consistently ranked among the NFL’s punting leaders, averaging 46.6 yards per punt over his career.
Even at the age of 39, he showed he could still perform at a high level. In 2024 with the Jets, Morstead averaged 47.2 yards per punt, which placed him among the top-tier punters in the league.
That performance underlines his ability to stay effective well into the later years of his career.
Jets Release a Surprise Move Amid Roster Shakeup
The Jets’ decision to release Morstead in May 2025 raised some eyebrows. Set to return as the team’s punter for another season, Morstead was due a base salary of $2.1 million, but none of it was guaranteed.
His cap hit of $3.05 million became expendable once the Jets opted to sign rookie Kai Kroeger.
Financial flexibility and the potential of a younger, cheaper option likely motivated the move, but it didn’t take long for Morstead to find a new opportunity elsewhere.
Thomas Morstead: Grateful Response to a New Beginning
After signing with the 49ers, Morstead took to social media with a heartfelt and succinct message: “Grateful is an understatement!”2
Those four words reflect not only his appreciation for another shot in the NFL but also his competitive spirit.
Even at this stage of his career, Morstead remains hungry for playing time and eager to prove that he still belongs on an NFL roster.
The 49ers’ Special Teams Landscape
San Francisco has enjoyed solid punting since drafting Mitch Wishnowsky in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
Wishnowsky has been a reliable performer, but 2024 presented some challenges. Injuries limited his action to just 22 punts, and while he maintained a respectable average of 45.18 yards, the 49ers are clearly exploring all options heading into the 2025 season.
Signing Morstead signals that no job is guaranteed, and special teams coordinator Brian Schneider will now have a legitimate competition on his hands.
Morstead vs. Wishnowsky: A Genuine Training Camp Battle
The training camp showdown between Morstead and Wishnowsky promises to be one of the more fascinating position battles in Santa Clara this summer.
On one hand, you have Wishnowsky, a long-time starter who is still in his prime but coming off an injury-marred season.
On the other, Morstead brings invaluable experience and has shown no signs of slowing down. For the 49ers, this is an ideal scenario — two proven veterans pushing each other to elevate the team’s special teams unit.
Punting: More Than Just Distance
- While raw distance matters, modern NFL punting also emphasizes hang time, directional punting, and situational awareness.
- Pinning opponents inside the 20, avoiding touchbacks, and excelling in field position battles are all critical metrics.
- Morstead has long been regarded as one of the best at executing these finer aspects of punting. The 49ers will surely value his ability to consistently flip the field and minimize return opportunities.
- Aside from his long tenure with the Saints and recent stint with the Jets, Morstead has also spent time with the Atlanta Falcons and Miami Dolphins.
- Regardless of the team, he’s consistently delivered quality performances and demonstrated leadership in the locker room.
- His experience playing for multiple franchises could be a valuable asset for a 49ers team looking to blend youth with savvy veterans in their pursuit of a Super Bowl.
Thomas Morstead: Special Teams Playoff Implications
In high-stakes playoff games, special teams often become the X-factor.3
Morstead’s postseason experience, including deep playoff runs with the Saints, gives the 49ers a dependable option should they need to rely on field position in a critical game.
While punters rarely receive headlines, their role in field control can often be the difference between victory and defeat.
Salary Cap and Financial Flexibility
Although the 49ers have yet to release the financial details of Morstead’s one-year contract, it’s reasonable to assume it will be a team-friendly deal.
Given that Morstead was released due to his $3.05 million cap hit with the Jets, the 49ers likely negotiated a lower number.
This kind of veteran signing allows San Francisco to maintain cap flexibility while adding experienced depth to a key special teams role.
A Locker Room Presence Worth More Than Stats
Veterans like Morstead bring more than just performance on the field. His reputation as a positive locker room presence and mentor for younger players can’t be overstated.
The 49ers, known for cultivating a strong team culture under head coach Kyle Shanahan and GM John Lynch, may see Morstead’s leadership as a bonus even if he doesn’t ultimately win the starting job.
San Francisco’s Win-Now Mentality
With Super Bowl aspirations in 2025, the 49ers are taking no chances. From quarterback depth to special teams, every roster spot matters.
Bringing in Morstead signals a win-now approach where competition is fostered, and complacency is not tolerated. The franchise understands that every edge counts, and a proven punter could make all the difference in tight games.
The weeks ahead will be crucial for Morstead. If he wins the punting job outright, it would be a testament to his enduring skill and drive.
If he doesn’t, he still could serve as an emergency option or attract interest from another team in need of punting help. Either way, Morstead has proven that he’s not ready to hang up the cleats just yet.
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Thomas Morstead: The Jets Part Ways with Him
In a move that stunned many fans and NFL insiders, the New York Jets released veteran punter Thomas Morstead just before the start of their organized team activities (OTAs).
Morstead, known for his consistency and professionalism, had been widely expected to return as the Jets’ starting punter for the upcoming season. His release came as a surprise, not only to fans but also to Morstead himself.
The decision to move on from Morstead was abrupt and without much public explanation.
While roster moves are always part of NFL business, this particular one felt unexpected, given Morstead’s solid performance in 2023 and his presence as a veteran leader in the locker room.
A Veteran Voice Speaks Out
Morstead didn’t stay silent after the news broke. Instead, he took to Instagram to share his thoughts and emotions, offering both gratitude and disappointment in a heartfelt video message.
His statement reflected a sense of appreciation for his time with the Jets while also expressing his dissatisfaction with the way things ended.
“Just wanted to say thank you to all the fans, all the coaches that I worked with over the past few years, the teammates,” Morstead said. “It’s been awesome. Had a great experience. Disappointed to be moving on and disappointed how it went down, but it’s just the way it goes in this business.”
His words struck a chord with fans who respected his honesty and the dignity with which he handled the situation.
It also raised questions about the Jets’ decision-making process and how they communicated it to one of their most reliable special teams contributors.
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A Model of Consistency
Thomas Morstead, a Super Bowl champion with the New Orleans Saints, has long been considered one of the most dependable punters in the NFL.
Since entering the league in 2009, he has been known for his powerful leg, precision placement, and leadership on and off the field. His stint with the Jets, while short, showcased that he still had plenty left in the tank.
In 2023, Morstead punted 99 times (tied for the most in the league), averaged 48.6 yards per punt, and helped the Jets rank among the top teams in net punting. For a team that often struggled offensively, Morstead’s punting was a crucial field-position weapon.
A Respectful Farewell, But Lingering Questions
While Morstead’s farewell was filled with class, the way the release was handled left some fans and analysts scratching their heads.
The timing—just before OTAs—meant fewer opportunities for Morstead to latch on with another team, though his reputation ultimately helped him find a new home quickly.
It’s unclear whether the Jets had a strategic reason for the move or if it was driven by salary cap concerns or a desire to get younger at the position.
Either way, it appears the communication between team and player may not have been ideal. That lack of transparency is something that has occasionally plagued NFL teams in their dealings with veteran players.
Thomas Morstead: Special Teams Shakeup
Morstead’s release wasn’t an isolated incident but part of a larger special teams reshuffle within the Jets organization.
In today’s NFL, punting is no longer a “plug-and-play” position—it’s deeply analytical, involving hang time, directional kicking, and punt coverage coordination.
The Jets may have decided to explore a younger or cheaper option to manage cap flexibility. Whether that gamble pays off remains to be seen, especially considering how crucial Morstead’s punting was to their game plan in 2023.
Fortunately for Morstead, the NFL landscape remains competitive, and his proven track record made him an appealing option for teams in need. Shortly after his release, he was signed by the San Francisco 49ers, where he will now compete for the starting punting job.
The 49ers, a perennial playoff contender with championship aspirations, offer Morstead a chance not only to continue his career but also to potentially play deep into January and beyond. It’s an exciting opportunity and one that Morstead is fully embracing.
Morstead’s Experience: A Valuable Asset
At 38 years old, Morstead brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the 49ers. He’s played in multiple playoff games, won a Super Bowl, and been through the highs and lows of a long NFL career.
That kind of veteran presence can be invaluable in the locker room, especially for a team with young players seeking leadership.
He’s also known for his meticulous preparation and physical fitness, which have allowed him to extend his career well past the average for punters. If he wins the job in San Francisco, Morstead could become a key contributor on a team with legitimate Super Bowl hopes.
Morstead’s reaction to his release highlighted another key trait—emotional intelligence. His measured response, his thanks to fans and teammates, and his transparent disappointment spoke volumes about his character.
He didn’t lash out or place blame but instead acknowledged that the NFL is a business while still sharing how he truly felt.
It’s this kind of maturity that makes Morstead not just a good player, but a great teammate. He’s someone young players can look up to, both for his performance and the way he carries himself off the field.
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