Despite being the NFL's highest-paid player at his position, San Francisco 49ers' fullback Kyle Juszczyk recently underwent a contract restructuring, reducing his salary cap hit by approximately $1.75 million for the 2024 season while ensuring his tenure with the team for an eighth year. Initially slated to receive a base salary of $5.75 million, Juszczyk's cap hit stood at $7.58 million.
The 49ers initiated discussions with both Juszczyk and defensive tackle Arik Armstead regarding potential salary adjustments. While Armstead, aged 30 and set to earn a base salary of $17.4 million, declined and was subsequently released at the onset of free agency, Juszczyk's situation took a different turn. Given the limited utilization of fullbacks across the NFL and his advancing age—Juszczyk is set to turn 33 in April—it's likely that he wasn't subjected to as drastic a salary reduction request and may have encountered fewer suitors in free agency.
Juszczyk's value to the 49ers lies in his versatility, as he regularly assumes roles beyond that of a traditional fullback, often lining up as a slot receiver or tight end and serving as a lead blocker.
Having earned his eighth consecutive Pro Bowl selection last season, Juszczyk joins an esteemed group of backs in NFL history, becoming one of only six players to achieve at least eight Pro Bowl berths, alongside legends such as Barry Sanders, Jim Brown, Franco Harris, Walter Payton, and Emmitt Smith.
With his contract extended through 2025, Juszczyk was previously earning an average annual salary of $5.4 million. Alec Ingold of the Miami Dolphins trails behind him as the NFL's second-highest-paid fullback, with an average annual salary of $4.06 million.
