Niners’ Kyle Juszczyk was ‘hurt’ by San Francisco’s request to take pay cut: ‘I’m the best fullback in the league’

The fullback position isn’t a priority for every NFL team, but the San Francisco 49ers value it highly and have one of the best in Kyle Juszczyk.

During the offseason, general manager John Lynch approached Juszczyk about taking a pay cut. Juszczyk agreed, restructuring his contract into a two-year, $9.1 million deal, which cleared nearly $4 million in cap space for the team in 2024.

“Honestly, it hurt when John came to me and asked,” Juszczyk said, via NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco. “I wasn’t expecting it. It kind of hurts your ego and your heart. I understand it’s a business, but I feel I’m worth what I was supposed to be paid.”

San Francisco also asked defensive lineman Arik Armstead to take a pay cut. Armstead declined and was released, later signing a three-year, $51 million deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Armstead later expressed feeling “extremely disrespected” by the request.

Despite being 33, Juszczyk wanted to stay with the 49ers and had no intention of leaving in 2024.

“I think this is the best team in the league, and we have the best chance to win a Super Bowl,” Juszczyk said. “This is where I wanted to be. My roots are here, I have a home here. So, we got it done, and I’m back with the Niners, and I’m happy.”

Juszczyk, who has made eight consecutive Pro Bowls since 2016, is part of one of the league’s most talented rosters. However, other players like quarterback Brock Purdy and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk are due for big deals soon. Purdy is setting himself up for a significant payday as he enters his third NFL season, while Aiyuk, heading into the final year of his rookie contract, seeks better compensation.

Remaining the highest-paid fullback in the league was important to Juszczyk, even with the pay cut.

“Honestly, that was important to me,” he said. “During negotiations, I made it clear: ‘I’ll take a cut, but I still need to be the highest-paid.’ No disrespect to other fullbacks, but I’m the best in the league.”