Kyle Juszczyk, a major in economics at Harvard, will still earn more than most of his Crimson classmates.
On Sunday, a day before the free agency’s free launch, the 49ers made a contract extension with their do-it-all Pro Bowl full-back enabling him to retain this title: the NFL’s best paid player in his position.
The $ 27 million five-year deal with guaranteed $ 10 million offers Juszczyk (29) an average annual salary ($ 5.4 million) that is slightly higher than his previous figure of $ 5.25 million. Pittsburgh’s Derek Watt ($ 3.25 million) is the second highest paid fullback in the league. NFL Network first reported Juszczyk’s new deal.
“So incredibly grateful that I gave up this organization for another five years!” Juszcyk, via Instagram, said. “Thank you Faithfully for the continued support! We look forward to showing you that the juice is always worth it. ”
The 49ers’ willingness to pounce on an eight-year veteran who turns 30 on April 30 and plays a penalty position reflects his value in Kyle Shanahan’s offense.
Shanahan awards versatile attacking players. And Juszczyk’s ability as a blocker and passer means that his presence on the field, unlike less athletic fullbacks, is not a sign that the 49ers are planning to run or throw. Juszczyk also regularly sat in the backline, the receiver of the slot and the tight end strip. Last year, he made a turn at the quarterback and turned a successful sneak into the third-and-1 victory over the Cardinals in December.
The 49ers were able to make Juszczyk famous in an offense that showcases his skills at a position that many teams do not use or emphasize in the NFL today. However, it was not known after the season whether the 49ers would offer enough money to keep him.
In fact, Juszczyk suffocated a day after the final end of the regular season in 2020 when he spoke to reporters about his uncertain future.
However, Juszczyk spoke to Shanahan during the season about their mutual interest in continuing their partnership. And the NFL’s better-than-expected financial outlook for the season helped ease a deal before the free agency began. The salary cap, which could have dropped from $ 25 million to $ 175 million in 2021, was recently set at $ 182.5 million. According to the NFLPA, the 49ers came in with $ 24.8 million in cap space on Sunday.
Juszczyk was expected to be pursued by the Jets if he reached the open market. Former 49ers defender Robert Saleh is the new head coach of New York and Mike LaFleur, the 49ers assistant, is his attacking coordinator. In addition, Juszczyk lives in the off-season in Long Island, the woman’s hometown.
However, it was no surprise Sunday when Juszczyk’s contract was officially signed.
And it was largely strongly suggested late Saturday night that a principled agreement be reached. Lynch, in a tweet he sent Saturday at 9:45 p.m., writes: ‘I’m thirsty. Niners fans, you want a little ‘Juice?’ Hey, with reference to Juszczyk’s nickname.
Eric Branch covers the 49ers for The San Francisco Chronicle. Email: [email protected] Twitter: @Eric_Branch