The San Francisco 49ers have officially signed punter Thomas Morstead and linebacker Chazz Surratt to one-year contracts, strengthening their roster for the upcoming season. To accommodate these additions, the team waived linebacker DaShaun White and released punter Mitch Wishnowsky, signaling a strategic shift in their special teams and defensive units.
Thomas Morstead Brings Veteran Experience and Pro Bowl Credentials
Thomas Morstead, a 39-year-old from Pearland, Texas, brings a wealth of NFL experience to San Francisco after a 16-year professional career. Originally drafted in the fifth round of the 2009 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints, Morstead has played for the Saints, New York Jets, Atlanta Falcons, and Miami Dolphins. Over 255 games, he has recorded 960 punts covering 44,944 yards, averaging 46.8 yards per punt, with 352 of those punts landing inside the 20-yard line. His postseason experience includes 16 games with an average punt distance of 44.5 yards and 20 punts inside the 20-yard line.
Morstead earned notable distinctions early in his career, such as a Second-Team All-Pro honor in 2012 and a Pro Bowl selection in 2013, highlighted by his impressive 50.1-yard average that ranked second in the NFL that season and first among NFC punters. His college career at Southern Methodist University saw him participate in 36 games, where he averaged 43.4 yards on 166 punts and also contributed as a field goal kicker and extra point specialist.
Linebacker Chazz Surratt Joins 49ers After Four Years in the NFL
Chazz Surratt, a 28-year-old native of Denver, North Carolina, has joined the 49ers on a one-year contract following his time with the Minnesota Vikings and New York Jets. Selected in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Vikings, Surratt’s NFL career spans 41 games, including five starts, during which he has amassed 19 defensive tackles and 18 special teams tackles.
In 2024, Surratt recorded career highs by appearing in 17 games, making five starts, and registering 18 tackles on defense with an additional 10 special teams tackles for the Jets. His college career at the University of North Carolina featured 33 games with 207 tackles, 22.5 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, along with interceptions, forced fumbles, and fumble recoveries, showcasing his versatility and defensive impact.
Roster Changes: Waiving DaShaun White and Releasing Mitch Wishnowsky
To make space for Morstead and Surratt, the 49ers waived linebacker DaShaun White, who had been signed to the practice squad on September 3, 2024, and appeared in one game this season. Additionally, they released punter Mitch Wishnowsky, who had been a key special teams player since being drafted in 2019.
Wishnowsky’s six-year tenure with San Francisco included 92 games played, 310 punts for 14,142 yards averaging 45.6 yards per punt, with 138 punts downed inside the 20-yard line. He also recorded 226 kickoffs resulting in 116 touchbacks. His postseason contributions spanned 12 games with an average punt of 44.6 yards. In 2024, before his release, Wishnowsky appeared in nine games, executing 22 punts averaging 45.2 yards, with over half pinned inside the 20-yard line.
Impact and Outlook for the 49ers’ Special Teams and Defense
The addition of Thomas Morstead provides the 49ers with a seasoned punter known for accuracy and field position control, which may enhance their special teams’ performance. Morstead’s longevity and track record of successful punts inside the 20-yard line are valuable assets for any team seeking a strong punting game.
Meanwhile, Chazz Surratt’s signing introduces a linebacker with special teams versatility and defensive experience, potentially increasing depth and competitive options for the 49ers’ linebacker corps. His recent career progress with the Jets suggests potential for further development within San Francisco’s defensive strategy.
By restructuring their roster with these moves, the 49ers appear focused on balancing veteran leadership with developing talent as they prepare for the challenges ahead in the NFL season.