There’s a strong chance the SF 49ers lose Kyle Juszczyk to NFL free agency this offseason, but these four could be considered replacements.
If money wasn’t a concern, the SF 49ers would easily make perennial Pro Bowl fullback Kyle Juszczyk one of their top re-sign priorities heading into 2021.
Unfortunately, money is a major concern for the Niners, who have a mere $10.9 million in cap space, according to Over the Cap, and nearly 40 other pending free agents to look at as they try to maintain a playoff-caliber roster this offseason. On top of that limited number, San Francisco will need to reserve approximately $8 million to sign its rookie 2021 NFL Draft class, too, meaning there will be even less to ensure Juszczyk doesn’t hit the open market this spring.
In his final press conference after the 2020 season, Juszczyk almost appeared to bid the team farewell in an emotional setting, citing just how special it was to join the squad and see it go from a true rebuild to a Super Bowl in three seasons.
But if he’s looking for a deal similar to the one the SF 49ers initially dished out to him — four years and $21 million — it’s likely he’ll have to explore other options outside of what the Niners can afford.
While fullbacks may be a dying position elsewhere, head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense is predicated on having one. Should Juszczyk depart, Shanahan could explore one of these other options to replace him.
SF 49ers Option No. 1: Josh Hokit
San Francisco actually has another fullback on its offseason roster, former undrafted free-agent Josh Hokit out of Fresno State, who joined the squad following the 2020 draft.
Hokit, who appeared in 51 games with the Bulldogs and rushed for 805 yards and 17 touchdowns, offers a bit more than Juszczyk on the ground as a runner but isn’t quite as polished as a pass-catcher.
The SF 49ers didn’t name Hokit to their 53-man roster, of course. They didn’t need to. Instead, he spent all of his rookie season on the practice squad and subsequently signed a reserve/futures contract during the offseason.
While Hokit might not have anything close to the accolades or pedigree as Juszczyk, the former is at least somewhat familiar with the offense and can be a contingent in-house option to replace the latter if he departs in 2021.