In a move that stunned fans and players alike, the San Francisco 49ers made the controversial decision to release veteran fullback Kyle Juszczyk during the offseason, only to bring him back just days later. The episode, which Juszczyk himself described as a whirlwind, highlighted the cutthroat nature of NFL roster decisions. Now, the Pro Bowl fullback is opening up about the emotional toll of those brief but harrowing days on the open market.
The 49ers, facing tough choices to trim costs and prioritize younger talent through the draft, parted ways with several veterans. But releasing Juszczyk—a key leader and one of the first signings under head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch in 2017—sparked immediate backlash from the faithful. At the time, it seemed inexplicable; Juszczyk wasn’t commanding a massive salary, and his on-field versatility as a blocker, receiver, and occasional rusher made him invaluable to Shanahan’s scheme.
Juszczyk spent only four days in free agency before the 49ers reversed course and re-signed him. However, the experience left a lasting impact. Speaking on his podcast “Kittle Things” alongside close friend and teammate George Kittle, Juszczyk reflected on the ordeal with raw honesty. “George and I are the two longest-tenured 49ers in the Shanahan era. I only had a couple weeks on you because I was signed in March and you were drafted in April. But then you closed the gap by three days because I was a free agent for three days this offseason, thank god we signed back,” he shared.
The hardest part? Breaking the news to Kittle. “The worst and hardest phone calls we had to make was FaceTiming you guys to tell you we weren’t on the team for a little bit,” Juszczyk admitted. “It was a testament to our friendship because it definitely meant so much that the emotions it brought up, and being able to talk to you guys about that and reflect on everything we’d done. We were really sad about what we’re going to miss out on, but thank god it worked out.”
Juszczyk has since elaborated on the emotional rollercoaster in interviews, calling it “the worst three days of my life” but adding that he’s now “genuinely grateful” for the perspective it provided. He even turned down a bigger offer from another team to return to San Francisco, emphasizing his loyalty to the organization and the Bay Area. “It hurt” to be asked to take less money, but his love for the team prevailed.
The 49ers’ front office framed the release as a financial maneuver, but it raised more questions than answers among fans. Why risk losing a player integral to the team’s identity? Juszczyk’s leadership has been a cornerstone of the Shanahan-Lynch era, and his bond with Kittle—forged over nine years—has become legendary. The duo, often seen hyping each other up on the sidelines, represents the heart of the 49ers’ locker room.
Juszczyk’s on-field contributions speak for themselves. Since joining the 49ers, he’s played in 136 games, amassing 209 rushing yards on 62 carries and scoring 19 touchdowns overall. His receiving prowess adds another dimension, with consistent production as a checkdown option.
Recently, following the 49ers’ win over the Arizona Cardinals, Juszczyk marked his 200th regular-season game—a milestone that underscores his durability and importance. As the team pushes forward in the 2025 season, it’s clear the 49ers made the right call in bringing him back. The brief separation only strengthened his resolve, and it now seems likely he’ll finish his illustrious career in red and gold.
This saga serves as a reminder of the NFL’s brutal business side, where even beloved veterans aren’t immune to the cap crunch. But for Juszczyk and the 49ers, what could have been a bitter end turned into a renewed commitment, all in a blur of four unforgettable days.