Steelers Free Agent Target Explains Why He Didn’t Choose Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Steelers hosted free agent fullback Kyle Juszczyk for a visit in March, but he ultimately decided to re-sign with the San Francisco 49ers instead of joining the Steelers.

Juszczyk explained his decision, stating that while he enjoyed his time with Steelers coaches Arthur Smith and Mike Tomlin and felt "a lot of love" from Pittsburgh, generating excitement about a potential new beginning, it "wasn't enough to trump what I had in San Francisco." He emphasized he couldn't "pull the plug" on his time with the 49ers.

Significantly, Juszczyk took a pay cut to return to the 49ers. ESPN's Nick Wagoner reported that the Steelers actually made a better financial offer than the two-year, $8 million deal Juszczyk accepted to stay in San Francisco.

This represents a notable loss for the Steelers, who are aiming to contend for the Super Bowl this season. Juszczyk is considered the premier fullback in the NFL, having earned nine consecutive Pro Bowl selections and a second-team All-Pro honor in 2024. He remains productive, catching 19 passes for 200 yards and two touchdowns, plus rushing for 26 yards and a touchdown last season, showing no signs of decline despite turning 34 in April.