Why the 49ers Released and Re-Signed Kyle Juszczyk in the Same Week

A Confusing Move at First Glance
When the San Francisco 49ers released veteran fullback Kyle Juszczyk, many fans were left scratching their heads. Just days later, the team re-signed him, making the situation even more perplexing. On the surface, the decision seemed unnecessary—both from a football and financial standpoint. So, what exactly happened?

The Shift Away from the Fullback Position
One of the key indicators of Juszczyk’s uncertain future was the 49ers’ decision to sign tight end Luke Farrell to a three-year contract worth nearly $7 million annually. This is more than Juszczyk was making, suggesting that the team is moving toward more two-tight-end formations rather than relying on a traditional fullback.

Kyle Shanahan has long been one of the few coaches in the NFL to feature a fullback in his offensive system, but even he appears to be adjusting. With the league shifting towards spread offenses and more versatile personnel groupings, the 49ers might be preparing to phase out Juszczyk’s role.

The Financial Puzzle Doesn’t Add Up
From a salary cap standpoint, the move made little sense. When the 49ers cut Juszczyk on March 11, they absorbed a $3.6 million dead-cap hit—money that cannot be used for any other player this season. Then, they re-signed him to a contract that saved them only $600,000.

To make room for this slight savings, the team had to trade promising 25-year-old running back Jordan Mason to the Minnesota Vikings. Essentially, they gave up a young asset in Mason to free up minimal cap space for Juszczyk, a 33-year-old player in decline.

If the 49ers had been looking to trade Juszczyk, they likely wouldn’t have found any takers. His age and contract made it unlikely that another team would give up valuable assets for him. So why did they bother with this entire process?

The Juszczyk-McCaffrey-Kittle Connection
While business decisions drive most moves in the NFL, this one appears to have a strong personal element. Juszczyk and his wife are close friends with star 49ers Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle, as well as their wives. The three couples frequently vacation together and share a well-documented friendship.

When Juszczyk was released, Kittle’s wife posted and then quickly deleted a screenshot of a FaceTime call between the couples, showing stunned expressions. Soon after Juszczyk was re-signed, both Kittle’s wife and McCaffrey’s wife shared celebratory posts on social media.

Though we may never know exactly what happened behind the scenes, it seems highly likely that Kittle and McCaffrey—two of the most influential players on the team—voiced their displeasure. It wouldn’t be surprising if they urged team management to find a way to bring Juszczyk back.

Was This a Football Move or a Favor?
At this stage in his career, Juszczyk’s on-field impact is diminishing. He remains a respected veteran, but the 49ers’ offensive evolution suggests they don’t need him in the same capacity. Given the team’s willingness to trade away a young player just to keep him, it’s fair to wonder if his re-signing was more about locker room harmony than roster necessity.

While loyalty and chemistry are important, NFL teams must make tough decisions. Keeping an aging fullback due to his friendships with key players could set a concerning precedent. If the 49ers truly believed in Juszczyk’s value on the field, why cut him in the first place?

The Bigger Picture
This situation highlights the balance between business and relationships in the NFL. While the 49ers may have intended to move on from Juszczyk, the reaction from key figures within the locker room may have forced their hand.

Time will tell whether this decision benefits the team or if it was merely a way to appease its biggest stars. Either way, it’s clear that Juszczyk’s role in San Francisco extends far beyond the field.