The San Francisco 49ers came up short in their quest for a sixth Lombardi Trophy in 2025, and now the offseason brings a long list of decisions-nearly 30 players are set to hit free agency in March. One name on that list is veteran punter Thomas Morstead, whose NFL journey has taken him through New Orleans, New York, Atlanta, Miami, and most recently, the Bay Area.
At 39 years old, Morstead continues to defy the aging curve, but the 49ers now face a choice: bring him back for another season or look to the future at the punter position.
Morstead’s 2025 Season: A Steady, Veteran Presence
Morstead signed a one-year, $1.26 million deal with the 49ers last offseason, though his path to the regular season was a bit unconventional. He was released during final roster cuts-part of a common procedural move to create flexibility for injured reserve designations-but was quickly re-signed ahead of Week 1.
Once the season got rolling, Morstead did what he’s done throughout his career: delivered consistent, reliable punting. He logged 44 punts on the year, averaging 43.6 yards per kick.
That average was the lowest among punters with at least 17 attempts, but there’s important context behind that number-half of his punts landed inside the opponent’s 20-yard line. That kind of placement isn’t just stat-padding; it’s strategic field positioning, and it speaks to Morstead’s veteran savvy.
In a league where flipping field position can swing momentum in an instant, having a punter who can pin opponents deep is a valuable asset-even if the raw yardage numbers don’t pop off the page.
Who Could Replace Him?
As of now, the 49ers don’t have another punter on the roster, but the free agent market offers some intriguing options. Bradley Pinion, a familiar face who previously punted for the Niners, is available.
So are Tommy Townsend and Braden Mann, both of whom bring solid resumes. And then there’s Jordan Stout, the First-team All-Pro who had a standout season and would be a premium option-if he hits the market.
Whether San Francisco wants to go with a younger leg or stick with experience, they’ll have choices.
What’s Morstead’s Market Value?
Morstead’s 2025 salary of $1.26 million tied him for 20th among NFL punters, and that’s likely the ballpark figure again if he returns for another year. Of course, there’s always the possibility of retirement-he turns 40 this year-but Morstead hasn’t shown signs of decline in terms of technique or football IQ. If he wants to keep going, there will be teams willing to listen.
Should the 49ers Bring Him Back?
This is where things get interesting. On one hand, Morstead’s average distance was the lowest among qualifying punters. On the other, his 50% rate of punts inside the 20 shows a level of precision that many younger punters can’t match.
The 49ers have to weigh short-term reliability against long-term planning. Morstead is a trusted veteran, and if San Francisco decides to run it back with him in 2026, they’ll be getting a steady hand. But if the front office wants to invest in a younger leg with more upside and staying power, this offseason might be the right time to make that move.
Either way, this isn’t a decision that will dominate headlines, but it’s one that could quietly impact games next season. Special teams matter-especially for a team with Super Bowl aspirations.