Just hours after being rumored to be in the running for his services, the 49ers are brining aboard former Ravens Pro Bowl fullback Kyle Juszczyk according the Adam Schefter of ESPN.com.
Let’s try this again: Ravens Pro-Bowl FB Kyle Juszczyk plans to sign with the 49ers assuming no last-minute negotiating snags, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 8, 2017
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the deal is for 4-years and $21 million.
The #49ers are giving former #Ravens FB Kyle Juszczyk a 4-year deal worth $21M, source said. #fullbacks ?
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 8, 2017
Juszczyk, 25, has been with the Ravens since 2013, and graded out as the best fullback in the league last season according to Pro Football Focus. Juszczyk is considered elite as both a pass blocker and a receiver for his position, two skills that could prove to be especially valuable in Kyle Shanahan’s offense.
The 49ers did not use a fullback in Chip Kelly’s offense last season. In Atlanta, Shanahan made good use of fullback Patrick Demarco, who made a Pro Bowl in 2015, and who was on the field for the third most snaps of any player at the position in 2016.
Juszczyk is the fourth big offensive addition the 49ers made on Wednesday, with general manager John Lynch making good on his message for 49ers fans to “stay awake” this week as free agency begins. Juszczyk will join quarterback Brian Hoyer and receivers Pierre Garcon and Marquise Goodwin as the new additions to Shanahan’s offense. Both Garcon and Hoyer played under Shanahan during his stints as offensive coordinator with the Browns and Redskins.