The San Francisco 49ers’ new front office regime has apparently decided its better to get off to a running start. Even before the start of free agency, San Francisco has been more active this year than in the past three-to-four years combined.
On the same day that it’s being reported that San Francisco will sign quarterback Brian Hoyer and wide receiver Pierre Garcon once free agency starts, it appears that the team will also land a Pro Bowl performer.
Let's try this again: Ravens Pro-Bowl FB Kyle Juszczyk plans to sign with the 49ers assuming no last-minute negotiating snags, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 8, 2017
The #49ers are giving former #Ravens FB Kyle Juszczyk a 4-year deal worth $21M, source said. #fullbacks 💰
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 8, 2017
Let’s be clear here. This is no small signing. Kyle Juszczyk is considered the best fullback in the entire NFL, as evidenced by his Pro Bowl performance with the Baltimore Ravens a season ago.
A former fourth-round pick of the Ravens from Harvard, Juszczyk has recorded 78 receptions over the past two seasons. More than that, Pro Football Focus graded him out as the top fullback in the NFL last year.
Top-graded fullbacks in the NFL
1. Kyle Juszczyk, Ravens, 87.9
2. James Develin, Patriots, 85.3
3. Aaron Ripkowski, Packers, 84.3 pic.twitter.com/YtEr8W7AM5— PFF (@PFF) January 20, 2017
He’s a perfect fit for the Kyle Shanahan offense and is someone who can produce both in the blocking game and through the air. Expect Juszczyk to play a role similar to what we saw from Patrick DiMarco with the then Shanahan-led Atlanta Falcons offense over the past two seasons.