Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images

San Francisco 49ers Releasing 9-Time Pro Bowler

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated Mar 10, 2025 9:51 PM ET

The San Francisco 49ers are parting ways with a longtime fixture.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the 49ers are releasing Kyle Juszczyk. The fullback made the Pro Bowl in all eight seasons with the team and has nine consecutive nods including his 2016 appearance with the Baltimore Ravens.

One of the last of a dying breed, the versatile Juszczyk has maintained a role in San Francisco's offense. Along with blocking for many stout 49ers rushing offenses, he's caught 184 of 245 targets for 1,895 yards and 13 touchdowns with San Francisco.

Juszczyk tallied 200 receiving yards, 26 rushing yards, and three touchdowns last season, and San Francisco averaged 4.7 yards per carry despite Christian McCaffrey playing just four games. The fullback has played in all but one game over the last five seasons.

SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 28: Kyle Juszczyk #44 of the San Francisco 49ers looks on from the field during the NFC Championship NFL football game against the Detroit Lions at Levi's Stadium on January 28, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)Cooper Neill/Getty Images

Last offseason, Juszczyk took a pay cut to stay with the 49ers. He admitted that it "hurt" when they asked him to accept a reduced salary.

"At the end of the day, I feel like I have the best opportunity in the world to play here for the Niners," Juszczyk said. "I do think that I'm being taken care of in a good way as a fullback on this team. I am happy with my role. My ego took some shots, but at the end of the day, I want to be on a team that all these superstars are getting paid more money because that means they did something great the year before. I feel a part of that."

Following that sacrifice, the 49ers went from NFC champions to 6-11 in a season decimated by injuries. Even after trading Deebo Samuel, they need to make some tough decisions with a Brock Purdy extension looming.

General manager John Lynch discussed Juszczyk's uncertain future at the NFL Scouting Combine.

"We'll see," Lynch said. "We're thinking of a lot of things right now. We're trying to make everything work. And (there are) some tighter constraints than we've had in the past. You just got to be smart and you have to think about long-term health."

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: