5 pending free agents 49ers must re-sign in 2021
By Peter Panacy
No. 3: 49ers Fullback Kyle Juszczyk
San Francisco got a clear example of what its offense was like, particularly in the run game, when it was without fullback Kyle Juszczyk last year.
Juszczyk missed a total of four games due to injury in 2019, and Kyle Shanahan’s rushing attack took a noticeable hit by missing its lead blocker.
Check out the two contrasts:
- Games with Kyle Juszczyk in the lineup (Weeks 1-5, 10-17):
- 144.7 rush yards per game
- 5.0 rush yards per attempt
- Games without Kyle Juszczyk in the lineup (Weeks 6-10):
- 142.3 rush yards per game
- 3.8 rush yards per attempt
Juszczyk, the perennial Pro Bowler, is the best fullback in the game. And while the Niners brought aboard former Fresno State fullback Josh Hokit as an undrafted free agent, it’s far too premature to suggest he’s a likable long-term replacement for Juszczyk.
And considering Juszczyk’s importance to Shanahan’s offense, it’s not hard to understand why the 49ers would want to make him a re-sign priority.
The only question is just how much money the 29 year old will be commanding in 2021.