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49ers 2017 NFL Free Agency Day 1 Recap

By Logan Stanley

December 23, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; General view of a card stunt between the first and second quarter in the final regular season game at Candlestick Park between the San Francisco 49ers and the Atlanta Falcons. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
December 23, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; General view of a card stunt between the first and second quarter in the final regular season game at Candlestick Park between the San Francisco 49ers and the Atlanta Falcons. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 29, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; AFC fullback Kyle Juszczyk of the Baltimore Ravens (44) runs with the ball during the second half at Citrus Bowl.AFC defeated the NFC 20-13. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 29, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; AFC fullback Kyle Juszczyk of the Baltimore Ravens (44) runs with the ball during the second half at Citrus Bowl.AFC defeated the NFC 20-13. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

FB Kyle Juszczyk

Contract: 4 years, $21,500,000 million; $10,500,000 guaranteed

Grade: A

This is one of the signings that turned most heads, as fullback Kyle Juszczyk’s average annual salary of $5,250,000 is set to be the highest in the league –by a healthy $2,750,000, per Spotrac.

The guaranteed money is also the highest as well, by another substantial margin (Buffalo Bills fullback Patrick DiMarco is second at $4,000,000 guaranteed).

More from SF 49ers Free Agency

So, why all the money for unglorified position like fullback?

First, San Francisco can easily afford to overpay (and they are going to have to lure free agents) without seriously burdening themselves financially. The nearly $100 million the 49ers were working with in cap space this offseason allows for Juszczyk’s contract to hit the books without a serious dent.

Second, Juszczyk was by far and away the best fullback on the open market. Juszczyk’s stellar 2016 campaign was noted this offseason, with the fullback earning a 87.9 grade from Pro Football Focus and being selected to the 2017 NFL Pro Bowl. Here’s a clip of what he brings to the table (from TNW’s Rob Lowder):

Third, known as a “Swiss-Army Knife” type of player, Juszczyk can play a variety of positions (h/t Pro Football Focus’ Jeff Deeney):

That versatility –the ability to play fullback, tight end, halfback or wide receiver– is going to be an integral in Shanahan’s newly instilled offense. Here’s an example of Shanahan used fullback Patrick DiMarco in Atlanta:

Shanahan utilizes the fullback in his offense and Juzsczyk’s versatlity will be utilized to the maximum potential. Oh, and he plays special teams too.

The 49ers will definitely be getting their money’s worth.