If fullback Kyle Juszczyk eventually finds himself in a position where he has to make a decision between re-signing with the San Francisco 49ers or moving to another team, the 49ers will have at least one major factor working in their favor -- the presence of running backs coach Bobby Turner.
Juszczyk is in the final year of a four-year, $21 million contract he signed with the 49ers in March of 2017. He's been selected to three consecutive Pro Bowls since joining the 49ers and has established himself as an integral part of the offense, but with as many as 40 players due for free agency after the season and potentially limited funds available, there's some uncertainty over which players will stay with the team and which ones will go. Juszczyk figures to be one of the higher-priority players to re-sign, and he made it clear during a post-practice press conference Thursday that the desire to keep working with Turner could play a role in his free agency decision.
"It definitely will have an influence," Juszczyk said of Turner during a post-practice media session on Thursday. "I've had a great four years now with the same position coach. A guy that knows me, I know him. We have a good understanding and it makes for a really good work environment, so that's definitely something I can't put a discount on. I definitely have really really enjoyed my time with Bobby T, learning from him, and would love to continue to work with my guy."
Turner, 71, has been with the 49ers since Kyle Shanahan brought him aboard after being hired as head coach in 2017. Turner has been credited for helping develop running backs such as Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson with the 49ers after doing the same earlier in his career for players such as Terrell Davis, Alfred Morris, Clinton Portis, and Devonta Freeman. Juszczyk let his enthusiasm for Turner show on Thursday by wearing a T-shirt with Turner's face on it to his media session.
"I think every year I've been here we've had a Bobby T T-shirt at some point," Juszczyk said. "We've got to give shout outs to the OG. He's our guy. He gets us fired up every year, so he gets a shirt."
Juszczyk said during a December 9 radio appearance on KNBR that he'd love to remain with the 49ers but planned on weighing his options if he reaches the free agent market in March. He also said he and the 49ers have yet to officially discuss a new contract, a fact he reiterated on Thursday.
"As far as contract discussions, nothing formal," Juszczyk said. "Kyle (Shanahan) and I have had informal discussions here and there, but nothing that's been formally put on the table yet."