49ers must find ways to utilize Kyle Juszczyk as an offensive weapon

A throwback to an earlier time, Kyle Juszczyk needs to be play a bigger role in the 49ers offense over the course of 2024.

For years, San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan has sought a second tight end to pair with All-Pro George Kittle.

Entering 2024, the Niners hope to have achieved this by signing former Washington Commanders tight end Logan Thomas.

But they already have another "do it all" kind of weapon in fullback Kyle Juszczyk.

In an age when fullbacks no longer command the kind of attention they used to, and some teams don't feature one on their respective rosters at all, Juszczyk is an anachronism to an earlier time, and Shanahan has periodically reminded fans of such a throwback era when the eight-time Pro Bowler has been featured as a pass-catching weapon.

San Francisco should aim to make that more of the case in 2024.

Granted, it won't be easy when looking at the embarrassment of riches the 49ers have on offense, all of which turned Juszczyk's 2023 campaign into a Niners-low year, statistically, in both receptions (14) and receiving yards (119).

However, with Shanahan aiming to lessen the load on another star player, All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey, who is also a dual-threat weapon out of the backfield, 2024 could end up providing the context for Juszczyk to have a revitalized year.

It wouldn't be a bad idea for Shanahan to give some of those would-be McCaffrey targets to Juszczyk.

McCaffrey already commands plenty of attention from opposing defenses despite the presence of other weapons like Kittle and wide receivers Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk. That won't change in 2024, but defenses can often be left scrambling on how to defend yet another threat in a fullback, who is often covered by less-desirable defenders.

Such was the case when an uncovered Juszczyk hauled in a beautiful toe-tap catch on the sidelines from quarterback Brock Purdy in a crucial moment during the NFC Championship game against the Detroit Lions last January.

One can only wonder what might have been the outcome if Shanahan and his offense relied more on Juszczyk's pass-catching abilities against the Kansas City Chiefs during the Super Bowl after KC mostly locked down so many of San Francisco's other offensive stars.

Alas, it's merely a "what if?" question and nothing more.

Nevertheless, Juszczyk should find himself reemerging as a perfect safety valve for Purdy while taking pressure off McCaffrey and acting as a unique weapon who can do far more than just block on rushing plays.