The San Francisco 49ers need a new punt returner this season after Skyy Moore was signed by the Green Bay Packers. The Niners need a new kick returner as well, since Moore and running back Brian Robinson Jr. were the primary kick returners last season, and Robinson signed with the Atlanta Falcons.
Special teams coordinator Brant Boyer spoke about who he envisions being in the mix to return punts and kicks next season for San Francisco.
Let’s rank who the most likely candidates are from least, to most likely.
No. 6: Ricky Pearsall
Boyer said Pearsall would be in the mix, but given the receiver's injury history, it’s probably not a good idea to expose him to even greater risk by using him in the return game.
He did it in college and did it a little bit during his rookie season, but the Niners should limit Pearsall to receiver duties and hope he stays healthy.
No. 5: Will Pauling
The 49ers signed receiver Will Pauling out of Notre Dame as an undrafted free agent following the 2026 NFL Draft. He only had one return for the Irish, and his stats as a receiver weren’t that impressive, so it seems unlikely he will make the roster, let alone return punts or kicks.
No. 4: Junior Bergen
The Niners drafted Bergen in the seventh round last year thinking he could be a return specialist for them. He didn’t impress in the preseason, so unless he’s taken a big step forward, he is probably unlikely to make the team as well.
No. 3: Christian Kirk
Earlier in his career with the Arizona Cardinals, Kirk was a punt returner. He hasn’t been as much in recent years. The Niners probably want him to focus on being a receiver, and he could be a important depth piece this season, given the likelihood of injury for Mike Evans and Pearsall.
No. 2: Jordan Watkins
Watkins returned quite a few punts in college at Ole Miss. he even took one to the house in his junior year. He was banged up most of last season for the Niners, but it wouldn’t be surprising if he’s one of the top candidates to return punts this season.
No. 1: Jacob Cowing
In 2024 as a rookie, Cowing returned 28 punts for the Niners and averaged nearly 9 yards per return. He missed all of last year due to injury, but if Cowning can stay healthy this season, he’s probably the top return candidate given his experience.
It will be tough to replace Moore since he was one of the best returners the Niners have had in a while, but one of these guys is going to have to fill those shoes.
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