49ers Change Course, Bring Back Kyle Juszczyk After Releasing Him

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The San Francisco 49ers lost a lot of starting players to free agency, and the team's cap situation led to many players being released — such as fan-favorite fullback Kyle Juszczyk.

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Though the 49ers had no choice but to release Juszczyk due to cap issues, they have completely changed course and brought back the star fullback on a two-year, $8 million deal.

Keeping Juszczyk is a fantastic idea simply to being one of the best fullbacks in the league. He is also a fan-favorite player and is good for the locker room.

Considering the 49ers' losses this season, bringing back a familiar and beloved face might quell the concerns that many fans have due to the free agency losses.

As detailed by Adam Schefter, the 49ers lost Deebo Samuel, Aaron Banks, Jaylon Moore, Elijah Mitchell, and more. Though the team could still be in a good spot, resigning Juszczyk is a massive move to help alleviate the loss of so many players.

49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - OCTOBER 10: Kyle Juszczyk #44 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on October 10, 2024 in Seattle,... Jane Gershovich/Getty Images

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Juszczyk began his career with the Baltimore Ravens when he was drafted in the fourth round of the 2013 NFL Draft. He would spend four seasons with the team, racking up 794 yards from scrimmage and seven touchdowns.

During the 2016 season, he picked up his first of nine Pro Bowl selections, posting a season of 288 yards from scrimmage and one touchdown. Though those stats don't sound like a lot Juszczyk is typically used in run block situations and became one of the best to do it.

Following his four seasons with the Ravens, Juszczyk entered free agency and was one of the most sought-after fullbacks in the league. He received interest from multiple teams including the Philadelphia Eagles and 49ers.

Eventually, the 49ers signed him to a four-year, $21 million contract in 2018. Since then, Juszczyk has remained with the 49ers. Racking up eight more Pro Bowl nods in from 2018 to 2024, a First-team All-Pro nod in 2023, and a Second-Team All-Pro nod in 2024.

Juszczyk remains one of the top fullbacks in the game, and it was going to be a bit strange to see him in another uniform. However, the 49ers decided to rectify having to cut him by bringing him back on a new two-year deal.

More NFL:

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For more on the 49ers and NFL, head to Newsweek Sports.

About the writer

James Brizuela is a contributing sports writer located in Los Angeles. His focus is on Comics, Comic Book Movies, Video Games, NFL, and MMA. He has in-depth knowledge of the NFL as a whole, having been a fan for over 30 years, and covering the sports over the last six years. He also knows the ins and outs of the comics world, becoming an editor while covering everything DC and beyond on Comic Book Resources, Giant Freakin Robot, and Inside the Magic. James joined Newsweek in March 2024, having previously written NFL content for Sports Illustrated. He is a graduate of the University of California, Riverside. You can get in touch with James by emailing, j.brizuela@newsweek.com. You can find him at X @james_brizuela



James Brizuela is a contributing sports writer located in Los Angeles. His focus is on Comics, Comic Book Movies, Video ... Read more