Steelers' Starting Punter Leaves for 49ers

Corliss Waitman departs Pittsburgh for NFC contender San Francisco

Mar. 16, 2026 at 2:18pm

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Pittsburgh Steelers punter Corliss Waitman, who was a restricted free agent this offseason, is leaving the team and heading to the San Francisco 49ers to be their starting punter. Waitman defeated Cam Johnson during the Steelers' training camp punter battle a year ago, but will now join the 49ers after Johnston was re-signed by the Steelers.

Why it matters

The Steelers will now have to adjust their kicking operation, as Chris Boswell will have to learn a new holder with Johnston taking over the punting duties. However, the two have experience working together from the 2023 season.

The details

Waitman was solid but unspectacular throughout the 2025 season, averaging 41.7 net yards per punt. Johnston, who was coming off a severe knee injury, has averaged 42 net yards per punt in his career and will now join the Steelers on a cheap, veteran minimum deal.

  • Waitman defeated Johnston during the Steelers' training camp punter battle a year ago.
  • Johnston was re-signed by the Steelers last week.

The players

Corliss Waitman

The Steelers' starting punter who is leaving the team to join the San Francisco 49ers.

Cam Johnson

The Steelers' punter who was re-signed by the team, signaling Waitman's departure.

Chris Boswell

The Steelers' kicker who will have to learn a new holder with Johnston taking over the punting duties.

San Francisco 49ers

The NFC contender that Waitman is joining as their new starting punter.

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What’s next

The Steelers will have to adjust their kicking operation and work on the chemistry between Boswell and Johnston ahead of the upcoming season.

The takeaway

The Steelers will have to adapt to a new punter and holder this season, but the team's experience working together in the past should help ease the transition.