Not Brock Purdy: 49ers’ Kyle Juszczyk names the best player in the NFL

The debate over who is the best player in the NFL today is a recurring one, with plenty of voices weighing in and arguments coming from all sides. Kyle Juszczyk, a key player for the San Francisco 49ers, recently shared his pick — and interestingly, it’s not Brock Purdy.

Kyle Shanahan’s team is loaded with talent — from the aforementioned quarterback to George Kittle, Brandon Aiyuk, and others. So when it comes to choosing one of the best players in the league today, it wouldn’t be surprising if the pick came from the Bay Area.

The talented fullback, who came close to exploring other opportunities this past offseason, was clear and direct when naming his favorite player — and he had a solid reason for it: Christian McCaffrey.

“Christian is arguably the best player in the NFL,” Juszczyk told Vic Tafur of The Athletic. “He was the offensive player of the year two years ago. He changes everything, and he looks incredible. He looks so healthy, he looks so explosive.”

Christian McCaffrey #23 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates a touchdown with Kyle Juszczyk #44 during the fourth quarter in the game against the Washington Commanders at Levi’s Stadium on December 24, 2022 in Santa Clara, California.

Excitement for what lies ahead

Last NFL season didn’t go as the San Francisco 49ers had hoped — both in terms of performance and the final results. Despite some roster changes, the ability to retain Brock Purdy provides a strong reason for optimism heading into what’s next.

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“I feel great about where the offense is. I think we had one of the best summers that we’ve had in a long time,” Juszczyk said. “Everybody was there (at workouts), the camaraderie was through the roof. I love the guys that we added. I feel really good about where we’re at. … Brock got paid, and we don’t have to worry about that.”

Juszczyk staying in the Bay

This past offseason was a period of uncertainty for the veteran fullback, who was released by the team in a salary cap move. However, fortunately for him and his teammates, he was able to return and will once again be playing under Kyle Shanahan as the 49ers prepare for what’s ahead.

“It’s so much. Everything you just said, being able to walk into the building, and I literally know everyone,” Juszczyk said about staying in San Francisco. “I know the chefs, the custodians, the PR team, the community team. I know all the players, like it’s just a familiarity.

“My home is there. We bought a house back in 2017, and like, that’s home. And to be in California, to be on what I think is a really good team, a team that I think has a really great opportunity this year. So there’s just too many good things.”