49ers Double Down on Special Teams: Siran Neal Signing Signals a New Era in San Francisco
The San Francisco 49ers are leaving no stone unturned in their quest to return to the Super Bowl. After a disappointing 6-11 season in 2024, where special teams blunders significantly contributed to losses against the Minnesota Vikings and the Los Angeles Rams, the franchise is making a clear statement: special teams matter. The latest evidence? The signing of veteran defensive back and special teams ace Siran Neal to a two-year contract. This move, along with other strategic acquisitions and a change in coaching leadership, signals a determined effort to transform a historically weak area into a strength.
Acknowledging Past Shortcomings
For years, the 49ers’ special teams unit has been a source of frustration for fans and analysts alike. In 2024, the team ranked near the bottom of the league in several key special teams categories. They struggled with punt coverage, kickoff returns, and even the consistency of their kicking game. The struggles culminated in the firing of special teams coordinator Brian Schneider, a move that underscored the urgency for change. As Grant Cohn of Sports Illustrated noted in October 2024, the 49ers special teams were “awful across the board” and “don’t do anything well.”
Brant Boyer’s Vision: A New Philosophy
Enter Brant Boyer, the 49ers’ new special teams coordinator. Known for his no-nonsense approach and emphasis on physicality, Boyer brings a fresh perspective to a unit in desperate need of revitalization. In his first press conference, Boyer emphasized the importance of winning individual matchups, stating, “At the end of the day, this is a violent game played by men, and special teams is a one-on-one matchup 90 percent of the time. And, it’s either you or him.” This philosophy reflects Boyer’s belief that special teams is not just about scheme, but about the will to dominate the player across from you.
Boyer’s track record speaks for itself. During his tenure as the New York Jets’ special teams coordinator, the Jets ranked second in the NFL in special teams touchdowns and blocked punts. He also brings a wealth of experience, and has added special-teams assistant Colt Anderson, who played under Boyer with the Colts.
Siran Neal: A Special Teams Stalwart
The signing of Siran Neal is a testament to the 49ers’ commitment to Boyer’s vision. Neal, a former fifth-round pick by the Buffalo Bills, has carved out a successful NFL career as a dedicated special teams player. Over his seven seasons with the Bills and Miami Dolphins, Neal has consistently played a high percentage of special teams snaps, logging over 2,000 special teams snaps in his career.
While Neal’s contributions on defense have been limited, his value lies in his ability to excel in all facets of special teams. He’s a reliable tackler, a disciplined player, and a veteran presence who can help mentor younger players. As NFL Media’s Cameron Wolfe noted, Neal’s contributions will be key in helping the 49ers avoid the special teams calamities they faced last season.
Beyond Neal: Other Key Additions
Neal is not the only new face on the 49ers’ special teams unit. The team has also signed long snapper Jon Weeks, tight end Luke Gifford, and safety Richie Grant, all of whom have proven track records as special teams contributors. These additions provide depth, experience, and a renewed sense of competition to the unit.
Furthermore, the 49ers used their final pick in the 2025 NFL Draft to select wide receiver Junior Bergen out of Montana. Bergen, a dynamic return specialist, is tied for the NCAA FCS record with eight career punt return touchdowns. Head coach Kyle Shanahan has made it clear that Bergen was brought in to compete for the returner job and make an impact on special teams.
The Kicking Game: Moody’s Redemption
One of the biggest question marks heading into the 2025 season is the performance of kicker Jake Moody. After a shaky rookie season in 2024, Moody will be under pressure to prove that he can be a reliable option for the 49ers. The addition of veteran long snapper Jon Weeks is expected to improve the operation and provide Moody with more consistency. The 49ers also signed Greg Joseph to compete with Moody.
A Holistic Approach
The 49ers’ overhaul of their special teams unit is not just about personnel changes. It’s about a change in philosophy, a renewed emphasis on fundamentals, and a commitment to building a unit that can be a difference-maker. By bringing in a proven coach like Brant Boyer, signing experienced special teams players like Siran Neal, and investing in young talent like Junior Bergen, the 49ers are sending a clear message: special teams will no longer be an afterthought in San Francisco.
The 49ers are betting that these changes will pay dividends in 2025. In a league where games are often decided by a few points, a strong special teams unit can be the difference between a win and a loss. For the 49ers, the goal is not just to avoid mistakes on special teams, but to use it as a weapon to gain an edge over their opponents.