49ers players who could stand out in contract year in 2022
By Matt Conner
Mitch Wishnowsky
It might seem odd to put a specialist on this list, but Mitch Wishnowsky is entering the final season of his four-year rookie contract he received back in 2019, which means the Niners have to start thinking about what to do at punter if they’re going to allow Wisnowsky to leave.
The team’s strategy every four seasons has been to invest a day three pick on an exciting young punter coming out of college with Bradley Pinion in 2015 and then Wishnowsky in 2019. The fact that Wisnowsky was a fourth-round pick shows how highly regarded he was coming into the NFL, and now the 49ers have to make a choice about going with another young play or maintaining some consistency at the position.
Wishnowsky hasn’t been as electric as a punter as expected given the original draft pick, but he’s certainly a solid option. While he was always an older prospect. the truth is that he could still grow a bit more with another year of experience and perhaps he’ll show something solid for the 49ers.
Knowing he’s headed into a contract year, Wishnowsky certainly realizes more than anyone else how much he can help himself with enhanced results in ’22. If you find yourself noticing that Wishnowsky’s booting the ball just a bit higher and farther this year than others, know that it’s the contract year at work once again.