As a position, the NFL defender is dead.
Unless your name is Kyle Juszczyk. In that case, it is a lucrative career.
The San Francisco 49ers defender agreed to an extension on Sunday. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, it’s worth $ 27 million over five years. Of this total, US $ 10 million is guaranteed.
This is not bad for a guy whose position was largely eliminated from the NFL for the better part of a decade – especially considering that he has amassed more than $ 23 million in career earnings.
What’s so special about Juszczyk?
Juszczyk, of course, is no ordinary defender. The 29-year-old has made it to the Pro Bowl in five of his eight seasons, remaining relevant with his versatility on the pitch.
Yes, it is a first-rate lead blocker. But he is also a threat to catch the ball. Throughout his career, he picked up 199 passes for 1,849 yards and 12 touchdowns.
When on the pitch, defenders have to be responsible – especially in the red zone. Jimmy Garoppolo looked to Juszczyk to score San Francisco’s first Super Bowl LIV touchdown.
But mostly, he’s a key player in Kyle Shanahan’s racing game, which is more than enough to make him captivating with his head coach and general manager John Lynch, who seemed to take great pleasure in causing the extension of ” Juice “Juszczyk before it happened.
I’m thirsty. Niners fans, do you want some “Juice?”
– John Lynch (@ JohnLynch49ers) March 14, 2021
After taking second place in the NFL in races during the 2019 NFC championship season, the 49ers fell behind during a 2020 season full of injuries. If the 49ers are going to re-form as one of the best teams in the league and enter the Super Bowl contest, Juszczyk will play a key role in getting there.
Juszczyk is clearly valued as a key member of the 49ers and its offensive philosophy. And they are willing to pay you as a defender, even in the midst of a league-wide wage crisis.
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