49ers news: San Francisco makes Kyle Juszczyk highest-paid fullback in NFL

49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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The San Francisco 49ers locked in fullback Kyle Juszczyk to a five-year deal making him the highest-paid fullback in the NFL.

The San Francisco 49ers made it a priority to bring back fullback Kyle Juszczyk this offseason. The job is now done.

On Sunday, Juszczyk signed a $27-million contract to keep him around San Francisco for another five years.

Thatā€™s a whole lot of money for a fullback. In fact, heā€™s the highest-paid fullback in the league,Ā according to his agency.

The 29-year-old confirmed the news on Twitter.

Kyle Juszczyk is a vital element to the 49ers offense

Juszczyk entered the NFL in 2013 as a fourth-round draft pick of the Baltimore Ravens. He completed his four-year rookie deal as a Pro Bowler, drawing plenty of attention in the free-agent market. San Francisco won the sweepstakes by giving him a four-year $21-million contract. At the time, that deal was a gamble. It paid off.

The 49ers had every reason to be happy with that deal considering Juszczykā€™s performance over the last four years. Heā€™s been a Pro Bowl selection in each of his four seasons with the 49ers.

Stats donā€™t really do his importance justice. Heā€™s never had more than 64 yards rushing in a season. However, his role as a receiving option out of the backfield has paid dividends with 1,080 yards and seven touchdowns in the last four years. One of those scores was in Super Bowl LIV. Even those receptions canā€™t capture why the 49ers were so eager to re-sign him.

Juszczyk brings value as a decoy and a blocker as well as a receiver. His presence allows the rest of the offense to thrive. Basically, heā€™s the model for a modern fullback, making life easier on quarterbacks, receivers, running backs, and offensive line.

The 49ers recognize that and are paying Juszczyk accordingly.

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