The San Francisco 49ers have released veteran fullback Kyle Juszczyk after eight seasons with the team, a move that saves the organization over $2.9 million in salary cap space. Juszczyk, who will turn 34 in April, has been a cornerstone of the 49ers’ offense, earning nine consecutive Pro Bowl selections and contributing significantly to their NFC championships in 2019 and 2023.
Despite his release, Juszczyk has expressed his intention to continue his NFL career, stating he feels no decline in his performance. His departure has deeply affected teammates Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle, both of whom shared heartfelt messages on social media. McCaffrey posted an emotional photo captioned “My Brother” with a broken heart emoji, while Kittle shared a throwback picture from their first training camp together, highlighting their strong bond.
The decision to release Juszczyk reflects the 49ers’ need to manage salary cap constraints, especially after significant signings like tight end Luke Farrell. General Manager John Lynch acknowledged the financial challenges ahead, emphasizing the importance of balancing immediate competitiveness with long-term fiscal health.
Juszczyk’s release marks the end of an era for the 49ers, as he played a pivotal role in their offensive schemes under coach Kyle Shanahan. His versatility and leadership will be missed, but his determination to continue playing suggests he may soon find a new team eager to leverage his experience and skills.