The San Francisco 49ers will reportedly “make every effort” to retain possible New York Jets’ free-agent target Kyle Juszczyk.
The possibility of a New York Jets-Kyle Juszczyk marriage coming to fruition this March is no secret. Newly-minted head coach Robert Saleh and offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur have been around the NFL’s most-recognized fullback since 2017.
It makes complete sense that Joe Douglas goes after the free-agent fullback LaFleur could absolutely use in 2021 and beyond. Perhaps the only thing that could put the idea on ice is how the San Francisco 49ers attack the situation, and maybe they’re not quite ready to let go.
ESPN’s Nick Wagoner reported on Wednesday that the Niners will “make every effort” to retain Juszczyk’s “unique” talents this offseason.
According to Wagoner, the Niners and general manager John Lynch will make retaining Juszczyk one of their first orders of business during this upcoming free-agency period.
Juszczyk, 29, is coming off his fifth-consecutive Pro Bowl season. Collecting 64 yards and two touchdowns on the ground, to go along with 202 yards and four touchdowns on 19 receptions, is just window dressing as it concerns Juszczyk’s overall football talents.
The Baltimore Ravens’ fourth-round pick back in 2013 steadily progressed into an AFC Pro Bowl fullback in 2016. Once Juszczyk signed his record-breaking four-year, $21 million deal with the Niners in 2017—the most money ever dished out to a fullback—his career took off.
The Harvard product’s versatility is what the Jets offense could use most in 2021. Although Trevon Wesco admirably filled the fullback/H-back spot this past season, Juszczyk adds an element to an NFL offense the Shanahan system appreciates most in today’s fullback-vacant league.
Perhaps most appealing is his versatility. The free-agent-to-be has missed just six games over eight NFL seasons (a possible 128 games).
NFL free agency officially begins March 17 with the legal tampering period starting two days prior.
Audio Version available to members only: Learn more here
