Kyle Juszczyk shares former teammate's frustration with 49ers over their offseason request

Kyle Juszczyk accepted a paycut as part of a restructure of his San Francisco 49ers contract this offseason. Arik Armstead didn't, leading to his release .

While the outcomes were different, it's clear the two share similar views on the Niners asking them to reduce their salaries.

Defensive tackle Armstead's refusal saw the 49ers' previously longest-tenured player cut before he signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Shortly after, Armstead said he felt "extremely disrespected" by the 49ers' offer of a restructure .

Juszczyk may have signed his deal, but he expressed similar sentiments about being requested to accept a paycut.

"Honestly, it hurt when John came to me and asked," Juszczyk said, per NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maiocco .

"I wasn't necessarily expecting it. It kind of hurts your ego and hurts your heart a little bit. I understand that it's a business, but I do feel like I'm as valuable as what I was expected to get paid."

Despite the restructure, Juszczyk remains the highest-paid fullback in the NFL with an average annual salary of $4.55 million.

"Quite honestly, that was important to me," he added. "That was something that went into negotiations: 'All right, we can figure this out and take a cut, but I still need to be the highest paid.'

"No knocks on other fullbacks in the league, but I'm the best fullback in the league."

The 49ers and eight-time Pro Bowler Juszczyk figured it out, enabling him to continue to serve in a hugely versatile role in San Francisco's offense, which relies heavily on Juszczyk's varied skill set, especially in the 21 personnel grouping from which the Niners have become so dangerous.

"I think this is the best team in the league, and I think we have the best chance to win a Super Bowl," said Juszczyk. "So, this is where I wanted to be. That's where my roots are. I have a home here. So, we got it done, and I'm back with the Niners, and so I am happy."

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