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USA Today
2 hours ago
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- USA Today
New 49ers punter Thomas Morstead picks new jersey number, which was already being worn
Last season, the San Francisco 49ers relied on Pat O'Donnell and Mitch Wishnowsky to handle the punting duties, and the team finished 30th in net yards per punt (39), 29th in total yards per punt (45.1) and tied for 30th in punts downed inside the 20-yard line (19). With that, San Francisco let O'Donnell go unsigned in free agency, and they opted to release Wishnowsky last month to sign veteran punter Thomas Morstead. Morstead, 39, joined the 49ers after 12 seasons with the New Orleans Saints, one with the Miami Dolphins, three with the New York Jets and a short stint with the Atlanta Falcons. When Morstead originally signed with San Francisco, he chose to wear No. 9, but he quickly informed fans who, as he said, would be so bold as to buy a punter's jersey, that it wouldn't be his permanent number for the 2025 season. On Thursday, Morstead announced that he'll officially wear No. 7 this year, which he hasn't worn despite wearing five different numbers in his career. Interestingly, No. 7 did belong to kicker Greg Joseph, who played with Morstead in New York last season. However, it appears that Joseph is switching to No. 3, which he'll share with wide receiver Malik Knowles for now. It's unclear if Morstead bought the number from Joseph, which has become customary in the NFL these days, but the two clearly have a relationship, so there's a chance that San Francisco's new kicker gave it to his friend. Joseph has worn six different numbers in his six previous stops, including No. 7, which he wore with the Tennessee Titans in his two games with them in 2019. More 49ers: Terrell Owens, Trent Williams among seven 49ers chosen for ESPN's All Quarter Century Team
Yahoo
9 hours ago
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Saints Countdown To NFL Kickoff With The History Of Number 83
Saints Countdown To NFL Kickoff With The History Of Number 83 originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The start of this work week also marks 83 days before the New Orleans Saints start their 59th NFL season and 2025 regular season against the Arizona Cardinals. Advertisement New Orleans is expecting an improvement over their 5-12 record from a year ago. The Saints will be under new leadership on the sidelines in head coach Kellen Moore. They'll also run it back with many of the same familiar faces on the field. One of those same faces is tight end Juwan Johnson, who will be wearing number 83 in his sixth season. Johnson is the 18th player to wear No. 83 during a regular season game in franchise history. Today, we have a look at all the New Orleans contributors who have worn that jersey. Saints History of 83 November 24, 2008; New Orleans Saints tight end Billy Miller (83) breaks a tackle against the Green Bay Packers. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-Imagn Images • Vern Burke, TE (1967) • Dave Parks, TE (1968-72) • Len Garrett, TE (1973-75) Advertisement • Andy Hamilton, WR (1975) • Tinker Owens, WR (1976-80) • Kenny Duckett, WR (1982-85) • Carl Roaches, WR (1985) • Kelvin Edwards, WR (1986) • Dwight Walker, WR (1987) • Cliff Benson, TE (1987) • Greg Scales, WR (1988-91) • Torrance Small, WR (1992-96) • Keith Poole, WR (1997-2000) • Albert Connell, WR (2001) • Donte' Stallworth, WR (2002-05) • Billy Miller, TE (2006-08) • Willie Snead, WR (2015-17) • Juwan Johnson, TE (2020-present) New Orleans Saints tight end Dave Parks (83) with a catch against the San Francisco 49ers. Credit: Burke was the first to sport an 83 for New Orleans, catching 8 passes for 84 yards over seven games in the Saints' first season. Parks was a former first overall draft choice and three-time Pro Bowler when he came over from the 49ers. He didn't have quite the same success with New Orleans, but did play five years and had 149 catches for 2,254 yards with 16 touchdowns. Advertisement Tinker Owens was the first number 83 to start his career with the Saints. A fourth-round pick out of Oklahoma in 1976, Owens had 60 receptions for 785 yards and 4 scores while playing four years with the team. Duckett was the only one of the next five Saints to wear 83 to play more than one season, catching 34 passes for 503 yards and 4 touchdowns over 33 games. Scales played four years for the Saints through the late 1980s into early 1990s, but had only 21 catches for 196 yards. Nov 20, 1994; FILE PHOTO; New Orleans Saints receiver Torrance Small (83) catches a pass against Los Angeles Raiders defensive back James Trapp (37). Mandatory Credit: Long Photography-USA TODAY NETWORK Torrance Small followed Scales, and like Scales was a fifth-round draft choice. Small played five seasons in New Orleans, appearing in 72 games as a backup receiver. Advertisement Over that span, Small caught 176 passes for 2,180 yards and scored 16 times. He led the team in receptions during the 1996 season and was top-3 in receiving yards twice. Poole, a fourth-round pick by the team in 1997, had decent production for an otherwise awful team in three of his four seasons. He'd record 91 receptions for 1,696 yards while catching 11 touchdowns. Poole led the Saints in receiving scores in 1999, finishing second in both catches and yards. Donte' Stallworth was the highest drafted number 83 by New Orleans, getting selected in the first round with the 13th overall pick in 2002. Stallworth played four seasons for the Saints, playing 56 games and making 33 starts. September 11, 2005; New Orleans Saints wideout Donte Stallworth (83) after a reception against the Carolina Panthers. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images Copyright © 2005 Bob Donnan Over his four years with the Saints, Stallworth caught 195 passes for 2,791 yards and scored 23 touchdowns. His 70 catches, 945 yards, and 7 touchdowns in 2005 led the Saints and were the best of his 10-year career. Advertisement Stallworth was an outstanding complement to Pro Bowl WR Joe Horn during his other three seasons as a Saint. Surpassed by seventh-round rookie WR Marques Colston in 2006, Stallworth was surprisingly traded to the Eagles in preseason. Billy Miller came over to the Saints in 2006 to play the final three years of his career. Miller was a solid blocker and contributed 86 receptions, 1,036 yards, and 3 touchdowns during his time with New Orleans. Nov 1, 2015; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Willie Snead (83) catches a touchdown pass against the New York Giants. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-Imagn Images Undrafted in 2014, Willie Snead bounced from the Cleveland Browns to Carolina Panthers before landing on the New Orleans practice squad at the end of that season. He'd earn a spot in the lineup the following year, and would be a terrific threat within the Saints offense in two of his three seasons with New Orleans. Advertisement Snead took the NFL by storm in 2015, catching 69 passes for 984 yards and scoring three times. The following year, Snead pulled in 72 receptions for 895 yards and 4 touchdowns. Off-field issues limited Snead's contributions in 2017, but he remains one of the better undrafted acquisitions in franchise history. Juwan Johnson arrived as an undrafted wideout in 2020. After two years of modest production, Johnson converted to tight end during the 2022 preseason. Over the last three years, he's been a big part of the New Orleans offense and was re-signed to a lucrative three-year contract extension by the team this offseason. Johnson has 146 receptions for 1,622 yards and 18 touchdowns during his career. The majority of that production has come over the last three seasons after the switch to tight end. Dec 17, 2023; New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson (83) catches a touchdown pass against the New York Giants. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images Johnson led the team in touchdown receptions in 2022 and led the Saints in receiving yardage last year. The mismatch he provides against defenses figures to be a key part of the Saints attack in 2025. Advertisement Entering his sixth season with New Orleans, Johnson is about to be the longest-tenured Saint to wear number 83. He needs only six more games to surpass Torrance Small's franchise-high in 83, while five more starts will allow him to pass up Dave Parks' team-high in that number. Related: Saints To Bring In Veteran Running Back For Minicamp Tryout Related: Derek Carr Further Explains Retirement Decision From New Orleans Saints Related: Saints Countdown To NFL Kickoff With The History Of Number 86 Related: Saints Countdown To Kickoff With The History Of Number 87 Related: Saints Countdown To Kickoff With The History Of Number 88 Related: Saints Countdown To Kickoff With The History Of Number 89 This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
9 hours ago
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Saints Sign Another Player To Their Tight End Position
Saints Sign Another Player To Their Tight End Position originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The New Orleans Saints are adding another player to a crowded tight end position. On Wednesday morning, Nick Underhill of was the first to report that the Saints are signing tight end Seth Green. Advertisement New Orleans brought Green in for a workout during last week's minicamp. Financial terms of his contract were not immediately available, but it will be a one year deal. The Saints already signed running back Cam Akers last week after his minicamp workout with the team. Green, 27, played as a tight end and fullback at the University of Houston after transferring from the University Minnesota. He was with the Golden Gophers from 2016 to 2020 and had 6 receptions for 83 yards while adding 388 yards and 13 touchdowns as a runner. During his only season with the Cougars in 2021, Green caught 13 passes for 157 yards and 3 scores. Aug 25, 2022; Houston Texans tight end Seth Green (87) runs after a catch against the San Francisco 49ers. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images Not selected in the 2022 NFL Draft, Green was signed by the Houston Texans but was released at the end of training camp. He was with the Dallas Cowboys during 2023 training camp but again was released. Advertisement Green was selected by the Arlington Renegades during the 2024 UFL Draft. He's been with the Renegades for the last two seasons. Over that span he has 24 receptions for 236 yards and 2 touchdowns. Listed at 6'4" and 240-Lbs., Seth Green brings the versatility of an in-line tight end, big slot receiver, and fullback to New Orleans. Green will also face stiff competition for a roster spot with the Saints. Arlington Renegades tight end Seth Green (87) during the 2025 UFL season. Credit: New Orleans re-signed starting tight end Juwan Johnson to a three-year contract extension this offseason. The Saints also return Foster Moreau and Taysom Hill as well as 2024 practice squad tight ends Dallin Holker and Michael Jacobson. Additionally, New Orleans also drafted UCLA TE Moliki Matavao in the seventh round and added free agents Jack Stoll and Treyton Welch to the position. Advertisement Seth Green joins a crowded tight end room in New Orleans. However, both Moreau and Hill have yet to return from season-ending injuries and won't be available until well into training camp. As a result, Green and the others at tight end will have their opportunity to catch the attention of the coaches early in camp to enhance their chances for a roster spot. Related: Saints Countdown To NFL Kickoff With The History Of Number 81 Related: Saints Countdown To NFL Kickoff With The History Of Number 82 Related: Saints Countdown To NFL Kickoff With The History Of Number 83 Related: Saints Countdown To NFL Kickoff With The History Of Number 84 Related: Saints Countdown To NFL Kickoff With The History Of Number 85 This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 18, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
9 hours ago
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Saints Countdown To NFL Kickoff With The History Of Number 82
Saints Countdown To NFL Kickoff With The History Of Number 82 originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Today marks 82 days between now and the 2025 NFL regular season opener for the New Orleans Saints. The Saints kick off their year at home against the Arizona Cardinals. They're intent is on improving on their 5-12 record from a year ago under first-year coach Kellen Moore. Advertisement Wearing number 82 for the Saints this year is tight end Treyton Welch. He is entering his second year with the team after spending all of 2024 on the practice squad. The little-known Welch faces an intense battle to make the team at a crowded position of competitors behind starters Juwan Johnson and Foster Moreau. If he makes the active roster, Welch would be the first to wear 82 in a regular season contest for the Saints since 2022. Here's a look at all who wore that jersey for New Orleans. Saints History of 82 New Orleans Saints defensive end Bob Pollard (82) with a tackle against the Los Angeles Rams. Credit: • Johnny Brewer, LB (1968-70) • Bob Pollard, DE (1971-77) • Ike Harris, WR (1978-81) • John Tice, TE (1983-92) • Ken O'Neal, TE (1987) Advertisement • Darren Gottschalk, TE (1987) • Irv Smith, TE (1993-97) • Quadry Ismail, WR (1998) • Eddie Kennison, WR (1999) • Andrew Glover, TE (2000) • Boo Williams, TE (2001-04) • Nate Lawrie, TE (2006) • Eric Johnson, TE (2007) • Ben Watson, TE (2013-15, 2018) • Coby Fleener, TE (2016-17) • Adam Trautman, TE (2020-22) • Treyton Welch, TE (2024-present) Oct 13, 1985; FILE PHOTO; New Orleans Saints tight end John Tice (82) in action against the Los Angeles Raiders. Mandatory Credit: Peter Brouillet-Imagn Images Brewer was the first to put on 82 for the Saints, doing so in the team's second season. He'd play the last three years in New Orleans out of his 10-year career. Bob Pollard was selected in the 11th round of the 1971 NFL Draft by the Saints out of Weber State. He'd go on to be one of the most disruptive defenders in the early history of the Saints. In seven years with New Orleans, Pollard wrecked opposing offensive lines and would record 37 (unofficial) sacks. Pollard was inducted into the Saints Hall of Fame in 1995. Advertisement Ike Harris was the first offensive player to suit up in 82 for the Saints. Harris played four years with New Orleans, catching 104 passes for 1,710 yards and scoring 12 touchdowns. He was second on the team in receiving yardage in 1978 and 1980, combining for 1,282 yards in those two campaigns. New Orleans Saints defensive end Bob Pollard (82) makes a tackle against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Credit: John Tice arrived to the Saints as a third round choice in the 1983 NFL Draft. He'd be with the Saints for all of his 10 NFL seasons. He was a devastating blocker over that span, but also contributed 158 receptions for 1,603 yards and 15 touchdowns. With his 10 years and 157 games, Tice is the longest-tenured Saint to wear number 82. Irv Smith was selected in Round 1 of the 1993 NFL Draft by the Saints out of Notre Dame. With the 20th overall choice, Smith was the highest drafted tight end selected that year. He'd go on to play five of his seven NFL seasons with New Orleans. Advertisement Smith brought a solid combination of blocking and receiving skills to the Saints. In his five years with the team he had 134 receptions for 1,300 yards and 9 touchdowns. Tice and Smith were two of 12 tight ends in the total of 17 players to wear 82 in New Orleans. New Orleans Saints tight end Irv Smith (82) catches a pass against the Minnesota Vikings. Credit: The Saints had a habit through the late 1990s of signing players who were well past their prime after starring for other teams. Three of those wore 82 for consecutive years in Quadry Ismail, Eddie Kennison, and Andrew Glover. Ismail arrived in 1998. The speedy playmaker was anything but that with the Saints, playing 10 games and catching none of his four targets. Kennison fared much better in 1999, pulling in 61 receptions for 835 yards for 4 touchdowns. He led the 1999 team in targets (128), catches, and receiving yards. Advertisement Kennison was the last player that wasn't a tight end to wear 82 for New Orleans. Glover came with teammate Jake Reed over from the Minnesota Vikings in 2000. He spent the last of his 10-year career with the Saints, catching 21 passes for 281 yards and scoring 4 times. New Orleans Saints tight end Boo Williams (82) runs after a catch. Credit: Instagram Undrafted out of Arkansas in 2001, Boo Williams made the position change from wideout to tight end upon his arrival. Often a mismatch for defenses as a pass catcher, Williams played all of his four NFL years in New Orleans before a torn ACL ended his career. He had 107 receptions for 1,143 yards and caught 12 touchdowns over that span. Benjamin Watson came to New Orleans in 2013 after successful stints with the Patriots and Browns. Watson spent his first two years with the Saints as the team's blocking tight end and receiving complement to Jimmy Graham, catching 39 passes for 362 yards and 4 touchdowns. Advertisement After Graham was traded during the 2015 offseason, Watson was asked step up into the primary tight end role. He'd respond with 74 receptions for 825 yards and 6 scores. It was by far the best production of his 15-year NFL career. Dec 21, 2015; New Orleans Saints tight end Benjamin Watson (82) scores a touchdown against the Detroit Lions. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-Imagn Images Watson left after the 2015 season but returned in 2018 as a free agent. He'd catch 35 passes for 400 yards that year. Over four seasons with the Saints, Watson had 148 receptions for 1,587 yards and 12 touchdowns. Between Watson's stints with the team, New Orleans brought in Coby Fleener between 2016 and 2017 to replace Graham and Watson's production. His production wasn't bad, but also failed to meet those lofty expectations. Advertisement In two years with the Saints, Fleener had 72 receptions for 926 yards and 5 scores. Most of that production was during his first year in 2016, when he caught 50 passes for 631 yards. Fleener was released by New Orleans during the 2018 offseason after re-signing Watson. The 2017 season was his last in the NFL. Jan 1, 2017; New Orleans Saints tight end Coby Fleener (82) catches a touchdown pass against the Atlanta Falcons. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-Imagn Images Following Watson's second stint with the Saints, New Orleans traded up in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft to select Dayton tight end Adam Trautman. He'd play three seasons for the Saints before moving on to the Denver Broncos. Trautman was never able to develop as an NFL pass catcher, recording 60 receptions for 641 yards and 4 touchdowns as a Saint. He was a serviceable blocker during his first two seasons, but declined in even that role during his last year with the team. Nov 8, 2020; New Orleans Saints tight end Adam Trautman (82) catches a touchdown pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-Imagn Images Welch looks to have an uphill battle to make this year's roster after spending 2024 on the practice squad. There is plenty of competition behind top tight ends Juwan Johnson and Foster Moreau with returning players Dallin Holker and Michael Jacobson along with newcomers Moliki Matavao and Jack Stoll. Advertisement Best in open space in college at Wyoming, Welch will need to turn heads with his receiving skills and open field agility along with improve his blocking for a roster spot on the 2025 Saints. Related: Saints Countdown To NFL Kickoff With The History Of Number 83 Related: Saints Countdown To NFL Kickoff With The History Of Number 84 Related: Saints Countdown To NFL Kickoff With The History Of Number 85 Related: Saints Countdown To Kickoff With The History Of Number 87 Related: Saints Countdown To Kickoff With The History Of Number 89 Related: Derek Carr Further Explains Retirement Decision From New Orleans Saints This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 17, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
9 hours ago
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Saints Countdown To NFL Kickoff With The History Of Number 79
Saints Countdown To NFL Kickoff With The History Of Number 79 originally appeared on Athlon Sports. We now sit 79 days away from the 2025 regular season opener for the New Orleans Saints. New Orleans has a new head coach in Kellen Moore and will host the Arizona Cardinals to kick off their 59th season in the NFL. Advertisement Offensive lineman Josh Ball is currently wearing number 79 for the Saints. A late-season pickup in 2024, Ball is trying to resurrect a once-promising career at a crowded offensive tackle spot in New Orleans. Josh Ball is the 17th player to wear number 79 in Saints franchise history. A somewhat underwhelming list, here's a look through all the others who have worn the number. Saints History of 79 Oct. 13, 1968; New Orleans Saints defensive lineman Lou Cordileone (79) hits Minnesota Vikings quarterback Joe Kapp (11). Credit: • Lou Cordileone, DT (1967-68) • Clovis Sweeney, DT (1970) • Emanuel Zanders, OG (1974-80) • Chuck Slaughter, OT (1982) • Ralph Williams, OG (1986) • Henry Thomas, OG (1987) • Glenn Derby, OG (1989-90) • Tory Epps, DT (1995) Advertisement • Troy Wilson, DT (1998) • Mike Halapin, DE (1999) • Jimmy Verdon, DT (2005) • Rob Petitti, OT (2006) • Bryce Harris, OT (2012-14, 2017) • Kyle Murphy, OT (2021) • Jordan Mills, OT (2021) • Yasir Durant, OT (2022) • Josh Ball, OT (2024) New Orleans Saints offensive lineman Emanuel Zanders (79) blocks against the Atlanta Falcons. Credit: Crescent City Sports Cordileone was the first to appear in number 79 for the Saints, playing the first two seasons of the franchise's history and recording an interception to go with 1.5 sacks. The first offensive player to wear 79 was offensive lineman Emanuel Zanders in 1974. Zanders played seven seasons in New Orleans. Over that time he made 78 starts at guard. Zanders seven years and 87 games as a Saint is the most by any player to wear 79 in team history by a wide margin. Advertisement Of the 16 players prior to Josh Ball that have worn 79 for the Saints, 12 of them wore it for a year or less. Only Zanders and offensive lineman Bryce Harris were with New Orleans for more than two seasons. Sep 28, 2014; New Orleans Saints tackle Bryce Harris (79) looks to block Dallas Cowboys defensive end Jeremy Mincey (92). Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images Harris was a backup offensive lineman with the Saints for four years. He appeared in 37 games with the team, making just 4 starts over that time. Derby was the only other 79 that remained with New Orleans for more than one year, appearing in just seven games through 1989 and 1990. Josh Ball technically enters his second year with the Saints. However, he was a late-season addition to the roster in 2024 and did not appear in a game. A fourth round choice by the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL Draft, Ball hopes to jump-start a once-promising career and perhaps add some notoriety to the number 79 with New Orleans. Advertisement Related: Saints Sign Another Player To Their Tight End Position Related: Saints Countdown To NFL Kickoff With The History Of Number 80 Related: Saints Countdown To NFL Kickoff With The History Of Number 82 Related: Saints Countdown To NFL Kickoff With The History Of Number 84 Related: Saints Countdown To NFL Kickoff With The History Of Number 86 Related: Saints Countdown To Kickoff With The History Of Number 88 Related: Derek Carr Further Explains Retirement Decision From New Orleans Saints This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
