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NFLSan Francisco 49ers
49ers Release Mitch Wishnowsky After Signing Thomas Morstead
about 1 year agoUS
The San Francisco 49ers have officially signed veteran punter Thomas Morstead and, in a corresponding move, released their longtime punter Mitch Wishnowsky. This marks a significant change in the 49ers' special teams unit as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Key Insights
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The 49ers signed Thomas Morstead, a 16-year NFL veteran, to bolster their special teams.
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Mitch Wishnowsky, who had been with the team since 2019, was released after struggling with injuries in the 2024 season.
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Wishnowsky's net average of 36.3 yards per punt in 2024 was the lowest in his career.
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The 49ers will incur a $1.98 million dead cap hit by releasing Wishnowsky.
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In addition to Morstead, the 49ers also signed linebacker Chazz Surratt and released linebacker DaShaun White.
Why this matters: These changes reflect the 49ers' commitment to improving their special teams unit, which is crucial for field position and overall game strategy. A reliable punter can significantly impact a team's defensive performance.
In-Depth Analysis
The 49ers' decision to release Mitch Wishnowsky and sign Thomas Morstead signals a strategic shift in their special teams approach. Wishnowsky, a fourth-round pick in 2019, had a decent run with the team, but his performance dipped in 2024 due to nagging back injuries. His net yards per punt plummeted to 36.4 yards, which was the lowest in the league.
Morstead, on the other hand, brings a wealth of experience. The 39-year-old veteran has played in 255 regular-season games and had a solid average of 47.2 yards per punt with a net average of 40.7 yards last season with the New York Jets. He also reunites with new special teams coordinator Brant Boyer, who was with the Jets for the past two seasons.
Furthermore, the 49ers have also revamped their long-snapping unit by signing veteran Jon Weeks and are set to have a competition between Jake Moody and Greg Joseph for the kicker position. The signing of Chazz Surratt, a linebacker known for his special teams contributions, further emphasizes the team's focus on this often-overlooked aspect of the game.
How to Prepare:
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Fans should monitor the performance of the new special teams unit during training camp and preseason games.
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Keep an eye on injury reports, as special teams players often play through minor ailments.
Who This Affects Most:
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The 49ers' defense will benefit from improved field position.
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Special teams enthusiasts will be keen to see how these changes impact the team's overall performance.
FAQs
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Q: Why did the 49ers release Mitch Wishnowsky?
Wishnowsky struggled with injuries in 2024, leading to a decline in his performance.
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Q: Who is Thomas Morstead?
Thomas Morstead is a 16-year NFL veteran punter who previously played for the New York Jets.
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Q: What is the financial impact of releasing Wishnowsky?
The 49ers will incur a $1.98 million dead cap hit.
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Q: Who is Chazz Surratt?
Chazz Surratt is a linebacker signed by the 49ers, known for his special teams contributions.
Key Takeaways
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The 49ers have prioritized improving their special teams unit.
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Thomas Morstead brings experience and familiarity with the new special teams coordinator.
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These changes could lead to better field position and improved defensive performance for the 49ers.
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The team is investing in special teams to gain a competitive edge.
Discussion
Do you think these special teams changes will make a significant difference for the 49ers this season? Let us know!
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