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

A throwback to an earlier era, Kyle Juszczyk is expected to play a larger role in the 49ers' offense in 2024.

For years, San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan has been looking for a second tight end to accompany All-Pro George Kittle.

As 2024 approaches, the Niners hope to accomplish that by signing former Washington Commanders tight end Logan Thomas.

But they already have another “do-it-all” weapon in guard Kyle Juszczyk.

In an era where running backs don't get the attention they once did, and some teams don't feature any at all on their rosters, Juszczyk is an anachronism from a previous era, and Shanahan has periodically reminded fans of a time when the eight-time Pro Bowler was touted as a pass-catching weapon.

San Francisco should strive to make this more the case in 2024.

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

However, with Shanahan looking to ease the load on another star player, All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey, who is also a dual-threat weapon in 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 potential McCaffrey targets to Juszczyk.

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McCaffrey already draws a lot of attention from opposing defenses despite the presence of other weapons like Kittle and receivers Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk. That won't change in 2024, but defenses can often find themselves wondering how to defend another threat, a back, who is often covered by less desirable defenders.

That was the case when Juszczyk, out of coverage, caught the ball with his toe on the sideline from quarterback Brock Purdy at a crucial moment in the NFC Championship Game against the Detroit Lions last January.

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

Alas, this is just a “what if” question and nothing more.

Still, Juszczyk should once again find himself as a perfect safety valve for Purdy while taking pressure off McCaffrey and serving as a unique weapon that can do much more than just block rushing plays.

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