49ers Revamp Special Teams Ahead of New NFL Season

SANTA CLARA, Calif. – The San Francisco 49ers have been active during the offseason, focusing on rejuvenating their aging roster. However, one particular decision stood out amid their attempt to infuse youth into the team.

Changes to the Special Teams Unit

On March 13, the 49ers made headlines by releasing long snapper Taybor Pepper, who had served the team for five seasons. In an unexpected turn, they opted to replace him with Jon Weeks, a seasoned 39-year-old entering his 16th year in the NFL. This signing diverges from the overall direction of the team’s strategy, which primarily aimed to lower the average age of the roster.

General Manager John Lynch humorously acknowledged the irony, stating, “We’re trying to get younger. We go sign a 39-year-old long snapper, but he’s got one job, and that’s to get it back.”

The Impact of Jon Weeks

Weeks’ addition carries symbolic weight, signaling a shift in direction for a special teams unit that ranked as the league’s worst in 2024. Under new coordinator Brant Boyer, who takes over following the dismissal of Brian Schneider, the 49ers are looking to reignite their special teams performance.

“Our guys have got a lot of belief in Brant Boyer,” said Lynch, implying confidence in Boyer’s ability to turn the unit around.

A Shift in Special Teams Philosophy

Boyer’s tenure with the New York Jets from 2016 to 2024 included substantial successes, such as leading a unit that tied for second in total touchdowns and blocked punts. In stark contrast, the 49ers’ special teams ranked 27th in the league in expected points added since 2016.

In 2024, the 49ers stumbled to a 6-11 record, with special teams blunders frequently contributing to close losses. Boyer emphasized a focus on overall team mindset, stating, “It’s either you or him. And what it comes down to and that’s my whole mindset that I’m trying to get these guys to understand is, it’s either you or me and it’s going to be you, period.”

Fostering Improvement

A key objective for Boyer this offseason is aiding kicker Jake Moody in rebounding from a challenging second year, where he ranked 35th in the NFL in field goal percentage. After struggling with a high ankle sprain, Moody completed only 11 of 20 attempts. Boyer remains optimistic, indicating that improved health and working with Weeks could yield positive results for Moody.

“There isn’t a special teams coach in this league that didn’t have him rated number one coming out,” Boyer noted, reinforcing his confidence in Moody’s potential.

Strategic Additions

While the team has yet to acquire additional kickers to challenge Moody, other roster changes have focused on enhancing special teams. Boyer advocated for the signings of linebacker Luke Gifford, defensive backs Siran Neal and Richie Grant, and even pushed for the selection of junior returner Junior Bergen from Montana as their final draft pick.

“I think you see some of the needs hopefully getting addressed,” Boyer stated, affirming the organization’s commitment to improving special teams.

Looking Ahead

The upcoming season presents a pivotal moment for the 49ers’ special teams under Boyer’s leadership. The true test of these changes will unfold on the field as the team strives to escape the NFL’s bottom ranks in special teams effectiveness.