Kyle Juszczyk’s Departure: A New Chapter for the 49ers and the Veteran Fullback
As the sun set on another NFL season, the San Francisco 49ers found themselves at a crossroads with one of their most reliable players. Kyle Juszczyk, the versatile fullback who has been a staple in the 49ers’ lineup, was seen walking to the bus after the team’s 2024 season-ending loss at State Farm Stadium. It was a moment filled with uncertainty, as Juszczyk himself pondered what the future held for him in the NFL.
Fast forward to Monday night, and the speculation was put to rest. The 49ers informed Juszczyk that he would be released, a decision confirmed by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. At 33, Juszczyk is not ready to hang up his cleats just yet. He expressed his determination to continue playing in 2025, regardless of which team he suits up for. “I know I’m not done,” Juszczyk confidently stated on January 5. “I’m definitely not done playing. I’ve seen zero regression. I think especially, I mean, you can turn on the last two games and please show me where I’ve regressed, so I have no plans of stopping.”
Juszczyk’s journey with the 49ers almost came to an end last offseason when he agreed to a pay cut to remain with the team. However, this time around, no such agreement was reached, and the financial implications were significant. Juszczyk was set to count $6,496,750 against the 2025 salary cap, with void years extending through 2028 that would add an additional $1,674,000 against the cap in 2026. By releasing him, the 49ers will save $2,926,000 against this year’s cap, though they will incur an immediate dead money charge of $3,570,750.
Juszczyk’s tenure with the 49ers began in 2017 when he became one of the first free agents signed by head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch. Over the years, he has been a consistent performer, earning Pro Bowl honors in each of his eight seasons with the team. His accolades also include being named first-team All-Pro in 2023 and second-team All-Pro in 2024. During his time with the 49ers, Juszczyk amassed 212 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns on 60 carries, along with 184 catches for 1,895 receiving yards and 13 scores.
At the NFL scouting combine in February, Lynch hinted at the possibility of Juszczyk moving on, a notion that gained traction when the team agreed to a three-year deal worth up to $20.3 million with tight end Luke Farrell on Monday. Farrell is expected to take on some of Juszczyk’s former blocking duties. “We’re trying to make everything work and [with] some tighter constraints than we’ve had in the past,” Lynch remarked.
Juszczyk’s departure also means he will fall just short of joining the Niners’ prestigious 10-year club, which honors players who have played at least 10 consecutive seasons in San Francisco. The last player to be inducted into this club was Joe Staley in 2017.
Perhaps the most bittersweet aspect of Juszczyk’s time with the 49ers is the elusive Super Bowl victory. Despite coming close on multiple occasions, including two losses in the big game, Juszczyk remains determined to win a championship. “I want to win a ring,” he said in January. “I want to win a ring here. But again, if I’m forced to do it somewhere else, I’ve still got so much football left in me. I still love the game so much. I’m still playing at a high level and I know there’s teams out there that can use me.”
- Juszczyk’s release saves the 49ers $2,926,000 against the 2025 salary cap.
- He was named to the Pro Bowl in each of his eight seasons with the team.
- Juszczyk’s career stats with the 49ers include 212 rushing yards, 5 touchdowns, 184 catches, 1,895 receiving yards, and 13 scores.
As Juszczyk embarks on the next chapter of his career, the 49ers will also look to the future, navigating the challenges of roster management and salary cap constraints. For fans and players alike, the end of an era is always a poignant moment, but it also brings the promise of new beginnings.
Originally Written by: Nick Wagoner
