The 49ers Can Relax Knowing Their Special Teams Are in Good Hands

One less thing to worry about.

San Francisco 49ers kicker Eddy Pineiro (18) kicks a field goal Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, during a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

The San Francisco 49ers can relax knowing their special teams unit is operating well in preseason.

Special teams can often be overlooked during the preseason because all eyes are on the draft picks. But San Francisco made several changes during the offseason.

Punter Thomas Morstead left to make way for Corliss Waitman, and the 49ers re-signed Jon Weeks and handed Eddy Piñeiro a four-year extension.

It was a strange move to see them let Skyy Moore go to the Green Bay Packers, but at least they retained Luke Gifford on a two-year contract.

The 49ers look good on special teams (again)

August 23, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers special teams coordinator Brant Boyer before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Piñeiro has picked up where he left off last season, converting four field-goal attempts against the Tennessee Titans and the Los Angeles Chargers, including 48- and 45-yard kicks against the latter. This is hardly a surprise when you consider his near-perfect conversion rate since joining San Francisco last year.

Though Moore moved on, wide receiver Jacob Cowing has been competing for the return role and made his case with an impressive 83-yard punt return for a touchdown against the Chargers. After missing the entire 2025 season, Cowing looks determined to make an impact wherever possible and strengthen his case for a spot on the final 53-man roster.

The coverage unit also made its mark. Linebacker Nick Martin forced a fumble on kickoff coverage, which KhaDarel Hodge recovered. Just two plays later, the offense took advantage of the excellent field position, with Jordan Watkins hauling in a 17-yard touchdown pass.

There had also been competition at punter, with Waitman battling undrafted rookie Jack Bouwmeester throughout camp. However, Bouwmeester was waived a couple of weeks ago, leaving Waitman as the only punter remaining on the roster.

Despite a handful of changes during the offseason and training camp, the 49ers appear to be in a strong position heading into the regular season.

Plenty of credit should go to special teams coordinator Brant Boyer, who has transformed the unit since arriving in San Francisco in 2025. The early preseason performances suggest his group is continuing to move in the right direction.

For me, special teams were a key reason the 49ers managed to reach the playoffs last season, providing much-needed stability considering the revolving door of injuries across the roster. It’s important to have this aspect of the game as sharp as possible, particularly in a sport as variable and situational as football.