The wait is over. The 49ers are no longer without a punter. San Francisco on Tuesday announced the signing of punter Justin Vogel, and they made running back Raheem Mostert’s three-year extension official.
Vogel, 25, signed as an undrafted free agent with the Packers in 2017 after playing for the University of Miami for three seasons. He averaged 44.4 yards-per-punt on 71 kicks across 16 games with Green Bay before getting waived in May of last year. The Browns signed him, but released him as part of their final roster cut downs.
It stands to reason that the 6-5, 220-pound punter will also handle kickoff duties for the 49ers. That was one of former punter Bradley Pinion’s primary jobs. Pinion signed a four-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Kickoffs will go to Robbie Gould if Vogel is unable to do them. It would be the first time Gould has done kickoffs since joining the 49ers in 2017.
This does not preclude San Francisco from either drafting a punter or signing another one to compete for a job in camp.
Mostert’s extension was announced last week by his agent. The running back and special teams ace settled on a three-year deal after being given the one-year restricted free agent tender. He explored the free agent market before re-signing with San Francisco on a long-term extension.
