49ers’ Kyle Juszczyk expresses disappointment over his career-low PFF rating, FB expresses discontent over being asked to take a pay cut by the team

Kyle Juszczyk is one of the few fullbacks left in the NFL.

49ers’ Kyle Juszczyk expresses disappointment over his career-low PFF rating, FB expresses discontent over being asked to take a pay cut by the team

Kyle Juszczyk (via IMAGO)

Kyle Juszczyk is as selfless as they come. The fullback for the San Francisco 49ers is one of few players in the NFL to play at the nearly extinct position. But he is great at what he does and that is why the 49ers keep him around. This offseason, the fullback was left in a bit of a pickle when GM John Lynch approached him to take a pay cut.

Kyle Juszczyk agreed to restructure his contract and signed a new, two-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers for $9.1 million. This move enabled the team to create $4 million in cap space. But despite his selfless move to alter his existing deal, the fullback could not help but admit that he was not happy about it.

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Honestly, it hurt when John (Lynch) came to me and asked. I wasn't necessarily expecting it. It kind of hurts your ego and hurts your heart a little bit. I understand that it's a business, but I do feel like I'm as valuable as what I was expected to get paid.
Kyle Juszczyk said via Matt Maiocco

Juszczyk is not wrong to feel this way, after all, asking a player to take less money than he initially agreed do can be perceived as undermining his skillset.

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Alternatively, if the fullback had declined to restructure his deal, the 49ers could have considered releasing him. Defensive lineman Arik Armstead, who was asked to take a pay cut as well declined, and shortly after, the team ended up releasing him. For Kyle Juszczyk, there is no place he wants to be but in the Bay Area. He compromised because he did not want to play on another team.

Kyle Juszczyk has spent the last seven years as a San Francisco 49er

Being released was a very real possibility for the fullback after Pro Football Focus graded his performance during the last season with a 56.7 overall. The lowest for him in the capacity of a starter.

The fullback disagreed with the grades which suggest he was mediocre at best during the 49ers playoff campaign this season. 

I felt like throughout the playoffs I was playing some of my best ball. And by no means do I feel like my play has declined, contrary to what PFF thinks.
Kyle Juszczyk told Michael Silver of the San Francisco Chronicle
Kyle Juszczyk
Kyle Juszczyk (via IMAGO)

Had the worst-case scenario happened with the 49ers opting to part ways with Juszczyk, he had a backup option waiting in the form of the Arizona Cardinals. But San Francisco is his home, having spent most of his time there, he just could not get himself to play for another team. Another reason for the fullback to remain with the 49ers is because he understands they have just as good a shot at making it to the Super Bowl this season.

The eight-time Pro Bowler’s contributions to the team are easy to overlook, that is due to the abundance of talent on the 49ers offensive roster. However, he has shown up consistently when required. Despite taking a pay cut, Juszczyk remains the highest-paid fullback in the NFL. While most teams in the NFL may no longer make room for his position he has left no room for doubt to creep in about his talent and capabilities.

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