Harvard economist Kyle Juszczyk will continue to earn more than most of his Crimson colleagues.
On Sunday, the day before the smooth launch of the free agency, the 49ers got a contract extension with their Pro Bowl fullback that allows them to retain this title: the highest-paid NFL player in their position.
The five-year, $ 27 million agreement with a guaranteed $ 10 million provides Juszczyk, 29, with an average annual salary ($ 5.4 million) that is slightly above his previous $ 5.25 million figure. Pittsburgh’s Derek Watt ($ 3.25 million) is the second highest paid defender in the league. The NFL Network first reported on the new Juszczyk deal.
The 49ers’ willingness to pay for an eight-year-old veteran who turns 30 in April and plays a punitive position is a reflection of his value in the attack by coach Kyle Shanahan.
Shanahan rewards versatile attacking players. And Juszczyk’s ability as a blocker and pass receiver means that, unlike less athletic defenders, his presence on the pitch does not indicate whether 49ers plan to run or launch. Juszczyk also tends to line up between running back, slot receiver and tight end. Last year, he was quick as a defender and converted a successful pass in the third and one in the victory against the Cardinals in December.
The 49ers were able to offer Juszczyk familiarity in an attack that shows his skills in a position that many teams do not use or emphasize in modern NFL. However, it was not known after the season whether the 49ers would offer enough money to maintain it, given the NFL’s ever-decreasing salary cap.
In fact, the day after the end of the regular 2020 season, Juszczyk was thrilled to speak to reporters about his uncertain future.
“You got me,” said Juszczyk, in a choked voice. “Yes, it’s definitely affecting me a little differently this week.”
However, Juszczyk spoke to coach Kyle Shanahan during the season about their mutual interest in continuing the partnership. And the better-than-expected financial outlook for the NFL this off-season helped facilitate a deal before the free agency started. The NFL’s salary cap, which could have dropped by nearly $ 25 million to $ 175 million in 2021, was recently set at $ 182.5 million. The 49ers entered Sunday with $ 24.8 million in cap space, according to the NFLPA.
Juszczyk was expected to be chased by the Jets if it reached the open market. Former 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh is the new coach of New York and 49ers assistant Mike LaFleur is his offensive coordinator. In addition, Juszczyk lives off-season on Long Island, his wife’s hometown.
However, it came as no surprise on Sunday when Juszczyk’s contract was officially signed.
And it was widely suggested on Saturday night that an agreement in principle had been reached. Lynch, in a tweet he sent at 9:45 pm on Saturday, wrote: “I’m thirsty. Niners fans, do you want some “Juice?”, Referring to Juszczyk’s nickname.
Eric Branch covers the 49ers for The San Francisco Chronicle. Email: [email protected] Twitter: @Eric_Branch