San Francisco, CA – In a surprising twist during the NFL offseason, San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk has reportedly chosen loyalty over a larger paycheck, opting to re-sign with the team that released him just days earlier. According to ESPN’s Nick Wagoner, Juszczyk turned down a more lucrative offer from the Pittsburgh Steelers to stay with the 49ers, agreeing to a two-year, $8 million contract on March 15, 2025. The decision underscores the nine-time Pro Bowler’s deep ties to the Bay Area and his belief in the team’s future.
Juszczyk, 33, faced a whirlwind week that began with his release from the 49ers on March 10, a move driven by salary-cap constraints. Set to count $6.5 million against the cap in 2025, his departure was expected to save the team $2.9 million, albeit with a $3.6 million dead money hit. Yet, after hitting the open market and drawing interest from multiple suitors—including a visit with the Steelers on March 13—the veteran fullback circled back to San Francisco. Wagoner’s source confirmed that Pittsburgh’s offer exceeded the 49ers’ $8 million deal, though exact figures remain undisclosed.
The choice wasn’t purely financial. Juszczyk, who joined the 49ers in 2017 as one of head coach Kyle Shanahan and GM John Lynch’s first free-agent signings, has deep roots with the organization. Over eight seasons, he’s earned eight straight Pro Bowl nods and two All-Pro selections, evolving into a versatile weapon in Shanahan’s offense. In 2024, he recorded 19 receptions for 200 yards and two touchdowns, plus 26 rushing yards and another score—numbers that belie his age and affirm his value. Off the field, his family’s life in the Bay Area played a pivotal role. His wife, Kristin, shared an emotional Instagram post, writing, “We turned friends into family here… It’s truly been the best years of our lives.”
For the Steelers, the miss stings. Under new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, Pittsburgh has signaled a shift toward a run-heavy scheme that could have utilized Juszczyk’s blocking and receiving skills alongside backs like Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell. Posts on X reflected fan disappointment, with one user noting, “Steelers offered more, but Juszczyk picked familiarity—tough break for us.” Instead, Pittsburgh may now pivot to lesser-known free agents or the draft to fill the fullback void.
The 49ers, meanwhile, retain a foundational piece at a team-friendly rate. The $8 million deal, with $7 million reportedly guaranteed, offers Juszczyk security through 2026 while keeping his annual cap hit lower than his prior $4.6 million for 2025. It’s a win-win that preserves continuity for a squad still chasing a Super Bowl after near misses in recent years. Juszczyk himself hinted at this motivation in January, saying, “I want to win a ring here… I still love the game so much.”
Fan reaction has been jubilant. Posts on X celebrated his return, with one 49ers supporter exclaiming, “Juice is back! Loyalty over cash—respect.” At 34 in April, Juszczyk shows no signs of slowing down, and his presence ensures Shanahan’s offense retains its Swiss Army knife. As the offseason unfolds, the 49ers’ faithful can breathe easier knowing their longest-tenured player isn’t going anywhere—proving that sometimes, home is worth more than money.
