The San Francisco 49ers announced this week that they have signed punter Jack Bouwmeester to a three-year contract, a move that bolsters the team’s special-teams depth heading into the upcoming season.
Bouwmeester’s College Journey and Punting Prowess
Bouwmeester, an undrafted prospect from the 2026 NFL Draft, honed his craft at Michigan State, the University of Utah and the University of Texas, where he consistently posted punts that traveled beyond 50 yards. At Texas he averaged 44.5 yards per punt, and his longest boot measured 58 yards, the longest by a Longhorns punter since the 2023 campaign.
In 2024 he recorded 13 punts of at least 50 yards, including a 62-yard effort and two 60-yarders, while in 2023 he had 19 such kicks. His ability to flip field position has already drawn praise from special-teams coordinator Brian Piccolo, who noted that Bouwmeester joins Corliss Waitman as the second proven punter on the roster.
Roster Implications and Outlook
Alongside the signing, the 49ers placed undrafted free agent Khalil Dinkins on the Active/Non-Football Injury list. If Dinkins cannot be activated before the final roster cutdown, he will shift to the reserve/Non-Football Injured list and miss at least four games, a maneuver that does not count toward the 53-man active roster.
The competition for the starting punting role is now more open than ever. With Bouwmeester’s leg strength and Waitman’s experience, the coaching staff hopes to maximize net punting average and improve coverage units. Head coach Kyle Shanahan emphasized that the move reflects the team’s commitment to special-teams excellence as they aim for a deep playoff run.