Former New Orleans Saints punter and fan favorite Thomas Morstead will reportedly be signed by the San Francisco 49ers. This was revealed by Morstead himself on Wednesday morning through his X account.
Morstead, 39, has played the last two years with the New York Jets. He played his first 12 seasons with the New Orleans Saints after being selected in the fifth round of the 2009 NFL Draft out of SMU.
Upon leaving the Saints as a free agent after the 2020 season, Morstead was signed by the Jets but finished the 2021 campaign with the Atlanta Falcons. He played with the Miami Dolphins in 2022 before returning to New York with the Jets.
Dec 25, 2020; New Orleans Saints punter Thomas Morstead (6) warms up before their game against the Minnesota Vikings. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-Imagn Images
Dec 25, 2020; New Orleans Saints punter Thomas Morstead (6) warms up before their game against the Minnesota Vikings. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-Imagn Images
Morstead is most known for executing ''Ambush'', the successful second half onside kick that helped New Orleans to a victory over the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV. However, he's also been the best punter in Saints franchise history and one of the best in NFL history.
Over his 16 years in the NFL, Morstead averaged a whopping 46.8 gross yards per punt. His net average of 41.6 was equally impressive. He averaged 23 punts per year inside the opposing 20-yard line, with a terrific 36.7% of his career kicks ending up inside the opponent's 20.
Morstead ranks 10th in NFL history in punting average and second among all active players in punting yardage. He currently sits 22nd in NFL history in that category.
New Orleans Saints punter Thomas Morstead (6) against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-Imagn Images
New Orleans Saints punter Thomas Morstead (6) against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-Imagn Images
Thomas Morstead is not the first notable New Orleans Saint to end up with the 49ers in the twilight of their careers. Tight end Irv Smith and safety Toi Cook played for San Francisco after standout stints with the Saints. Most notably, Hall of Fame linebacker Rickey Jackson finished his iconic career with the 49ers, winning a Super Bowl XXIX championship.
Morstead will make his second trip back to the Superdome as a player since his departure from the Saints this season. New Orleans hosts the San Francisco 49ers in Week 2 on Sunday, September 14.