The San Francisco 49ers' special teams unit is quietly shaping up to be one of the most intriguing position battles this offseason. With veteran Thomas Morstead moving on, the Niners signed former Steelers punter Corliss Waitman to a one-year deal. However, it appears the team is far from settled, actively exploring ways to create competition for the crucial specialist role.

NFL Insider Aaron Wilson reported that 49ers special teams coordinator Brant Boyer held a virtual meeting with Syracuse punter Jack Stonehouse on Tuesday. This follows a pattern of interest, as The Draft Network’s Ryan Fowler noted San Francisco has been evaluating Stonehouse throughout the pre-draft process and is expected to add a punter either late in the draft or as a priority undrafted free agent.

The numbers make the interest clear. At Syracuse, Stonehouse showcased a powerful leg, averaging 46.2 yards per punt with a net of 41.7 and an impressive hangtime of 4.29 seconds in 2025. His consistency is notable—he recorded a punt of at least 64 yards in each of his four collegiate seasons, and his hangtime improved every year. For context, last season Corliss Waitman posted a strong 4.52-second average hangtime with the Steelers, while Morstead averaged 4.14 seconds.

From a team-building perspective, adding Stonehouse as an undrafted free agent presents minimal risk. Waitman’s contract, which includes $475,000 in guarantees, makes him the 23rd-highest paid punter but doesn't lock him into the roster. The 49ers have recent history of draft picks at specialist not panning out, making the UDFA route a savvy move to foster competition without sacrificing valuable draft capital.

In the high-stakes game of field position, every advantage counts. Whether it's a quarterback or a punter, fostering competition elevates the entire team. Bringing in a promising leg like Stonehouse’s to challenge Waitman is a smart, low-cost strategy that could pay major dividends in the hidden yardage battle come fall.