As Kyle Juszczyk stepped onto the team bus following the San Francisco 49ers’ 2024 season-ending loss at State Farm Stadium, the weight of uncertainty loomed over him. He had given everything to the Niners, but deep down, he suspected this might have been his last ride with the team.
On Monday night, that suspicion became reality. The 49ers officially informed Juszczyk of his release, according to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter. For the 33-year-old fullback, it marks the end of an incredible eight-season run with the team—but not the end of his football journey.
“I know I’m not done,” Juszczyk said on January 5. “I’m definitely not done playing. I’ve seen zero regression. Turn on the last two games and show me where I’ve regressed. I have no plans of stopping.”
A Financially Tough but Expected Decision
Juszczyk and the 49ers had nearly parted ways last offseason when he agreed to a pay cut to stay. This year, however, no such agreement materialized. With the team facing salary cap constraints, his contract—which would have counted $6.49 million against the 2025 cap—became too costly to maintain. By releasing him, the 49ers will save $2.93 million but will absorb an immediate $3.57 million dead money charge.
This isn’t just about numbers on a spreadsheet; it’s about the tough reality of the NFL. Players dedicate years of their lives to a team, a city, and a fan base, only to see their fate decided by financial calculations. For a player like Juszczyk, who was among the first free agents signed by head coach Kyle Shanahan and GM John Lynch in 2017, the emotional weight of this moment is undeniable.
More Than a Fullback: A Legacy in San Francisco
From the moment he arrived, Juszczyk redefined what a fullback could be in modern football. He wasn’t just a lead blocker—he was an offensive weapon. Over his eight seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, he earned a Pro Bowl selection every single year, proving his value time and again. His stat line speaks for itself:
- 212 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns on 60 carries
- 184 receptions, 1,895 receiving yards, and 13 touchdowns
- First-team All-Pro in 2023, second-team All-Pro in 2024
Juszczyk’s departure also means he will fall just short of joining the Niners’ prestigious 10-year club, an honor given to players who have spent at least a decade with the team. The last player to achieve that milestone? Joe Staley in 2017.
What’s Next for Juszczyk?
Despite the heartbreak of leaving San Francisco, Juszczyk remains determined. He has been a key piece of multiple Super Bowl-contending 49ers squads, coming painfully close to lifting the Lombardi Trophy. That unfulfilled goal still fuels him.
“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 are teams out there that can use me.”
It’s hard to imagine a player of his caliber not finding a new home quickly. Whether it’s a team looking for veteran leadership, a playoff contender in need of a versatile offensive piece, or even a reunion with a former coach, Juszczyk will have options.
The Changing Landscape of the 49ers’ Offense
The writing may have been on the wall when the 49ers signed tight end Luke Farrell to a three-year, $20.3 million deal. Farrell, while not a fullback, is expected to take on some of Juszczyk’s blocking responsibilities in Shanahan’s offense.
John Lynch alluded to these tough decisions back at the NFL Scouting Combine in February, stating:
“We’re trying to make everything work and [with] some tighter constraints than we’ve had in the past.”
That’s the reality of modern NFL roster management—players fans grow to love are often moved for financial reasons rather than football ability.
A Farewell, Not a Goodbye
While this marks the end of Kyle Juszczyk’s time in a 49ers jersey, it’s not the end of his story. His impact on the Niners, the NFL, and the fullback position itself has been immense.
Football, like life, is about adapting. And if there’s one thing we’ve learned about Juszczyk over the years, it’s that he’s built for the challenge.
Wherever he lands next, one thing is certain—he’s not done yet.