UPDATE (2:42pm PT on Wednesday): The 49ers and fullback Kyle Juszczyk have agreed to a four-year, $21 million deal, according to the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
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The 49ers and one other team appear to be the front-runners to sign free-agent fullback Kyle Juszczyk, a league source confirmed to CSNBayArea.com.
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Juszczyk, 25, played his first four seasons with the Baltimore Ravens. Seldom-used as a runner, Juszczyk (pronounced YOOZ-check) is an effective pass-catcher with 78 receptions for 587 yards and four touchdowns in the past two seasons. He was selected to the Pro Bowl last season.
The 49ers would likely view Juszczyk (6 foot 1, 240 pounds) as a Delanie Walker-type of offensive player who can line and be deployed as a blocker at multiple positions. The 49ers did not carry a fullback on the roster last season under coach Chip Kelly. But new 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan runs a more traditional NFL offense that features a fullback on a limited number of plays.
The Buffalo Bills are considered the leader to sign him, reported ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The 49ers’ interest in Juszczyk was first reported by USA Today’s Tom Pelissero.
The NFL’s open-negotiating period with scheduled free agents began on Tuesday. Beginning at 1 p.m. on Thursday, teams can officially sign free agents.
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Another source told CSNBayArea.com the 49ers and Raiders have shown interest in New England free-agent running back LaGarrette Blount. A seven-year veteran, Blount rushed for a career-high 1,161 yards and 18 touchdowns last season.