Fullback Kyle Juszczyk plans to sign with the San Francisco 49ers, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports, which would mark another loss for the Ravens offense in the first days of free agency.
Teams cannot officially ink players until Thursday at 4 p.m. ESPN is reporting that it's a four-year, $21 million deal with $10.5 million guaranteed, which would make him the highest-paid fullback by a large margin.
What makes Juszczyk so valuable is his versatility, which he displayed in Baltimore over the past four years.
The 2013 fourth-round pick out of Harvard caught 97 passes and five touchdowns over the past three years. He can run routes from the backfield or tight end position, is smooth and punishing with the ball in his hands.
Juszczyk made his first Pro Bowl last season after greatly improving as a run blocker. He has seven career rushing attempts for 25 yards, though he'll be remembered for his bruising touchdown run in Pittsburgh that nearly sent the Ravens to last year's playoffs.
New San Francisco 49ers Head Coach Kyle Shanahan highly values versatile backs, much like he had with Tevin Coleman in Atlanta. Juszczyk has the ability to play a fullback/running back/tight end role with the 49ers, who don't have a ton of offensive weapons.
The Ravens have now reportedly lost two of their top three free agents in Juszczyk and right tackle Rick Wagner. Baltimore doesn't have another fullback on the roster, and could fill the void via the draft or later in free agency.
