© Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
While many teams have gone away from the “dinosaur” fullback position, the 49ers have proven why it’s still around.
San Francisco trailed only the Baltimore Ravens in rushing yards per game (144.1) in the 2019 season and led the league in rushing touchdowns, with 23. They dominated the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers in back-to-back playoff games with relentless running performances, and had an astounding 204 yards per game average over three playoff games.
Much of that success can be attributed to Kyle Juszcyzk, who, while not a brute-like blocker, is intelligent with his angles, and knows how to use his strength, agility and size in a zone-heavy rushing attack. He was also invaluable in the passing game, not just as a blocker, but as a consistent downfield threat. He consistently found himself open in mismatches or exploiting gaps in zone coverage as the 49ers’ jack-of-all-trades option.
According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, Juszcyzk will be back for the 2020 season, his fourth with the 49ers after being brought in by Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch as one of their first key signings.
Juszczyk due $5.05M base salary and $400k in bonuses in 2020. RT @JFowlerESPN: 49ers exercise option on fullback Kyle Juszczyk, per source, keeping key piece to SF offensive attack.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 4, 2020
There was never really any doubt that Juszczyk would be back next season, just the type of money he’d be on. There is some discussion that he could be extended, which could lessen the blow of his sizable 2020 cap hit of $6.7 million.