Los Gatos Native Jake Tonges Signs $8M Contract Extension with 49ers

The tight end's steady progression from undrafted free agent to key offensive performer earns him a new two-year deal.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 11:36pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a football player in motion, with sharp planes of red and gold representing the dynamic energy of the sport.Tonges' rise from undrafted free agent to key 49ers contributor is captured in this cubist-inspired illustration.Los Gatos Today

Jake Tonges, a tight end from Los Gatos, California, has signed a two-year, $8 million contract extension with the San Francisco 49ers. Tonges, who went undrafted out of college, has steadily worked his way up from the practice squad to becoming a key offensive contributor, scoring five touchdowns and recording 293 receiving yards last season.

Why it matters

Tonges' story is a testament to perseverance and the value of opportunity in the NFL. As an undrafted free agent, he faced an uphill battle to make it in the league, but his hard work and determination have paid off with a lucrative contract extension from the 49ers, one of the NFL's premier franchises.

The details

Tonges' new deal includes a $2.615 million signing bonus, a 2026 base salary of $1.145 million, and a 2027 base salary of $1.26 million. After being released by the Chicago Bears in 2023, Tonges caught on with the 49ers and has steadily improved, going from the practice squad in his first year to a starting role last season, when he caught 34 passes for 293 yards and 5 touchdowns.

  • Tonges signed the two-year, $8 million contract extension on April 14, 2026.
  • In the 2023 season, Tonges was released by the Chicago Bears in August after playing just four games the previous year.
  • Tonges joined the San Francisco 49ers in 2023 and has been with the team for the past three seasons.
  • Last season (2025), Tonges had a breakout year, scoring 5 touchdowns and recording 293 receiving yards.

The players

Jake Tonges

A 26-year-old tight end from Los Gatos, California, who just signed a two-year, $8 million contract extension with the San Francisco 49ers.

Steve Caric

Tonges' agent, who works for The Team (formerly Wasserman).

George Kittle

The 49ers' starting tight end, who has suffered multiple injuries, allowing Tonges to step up and prove himself last season.

Brock Purdy

The 49ers' quarterback, who connected with Tonges for a crucial touchdown late in a game against the Seahawks last season.

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What they’re saying

“I've gotta find a spot. I'm from Los Gatos.”

— Jake Tonges, Tight End, San Francisco 49ers

“It's every player's goal when they enter the NFL to make it to a second contract. I feel extremely grateful.”

— Jake Tonges, Tight End, San Francisco 49ers

“You never really know if your opportunity's going to come, or when it's going to come.”

— Jake Tonges, Tight End, San Francisco 49ers

What’s next

The 49ers will look to Tonges to continue his strong play and production as they aim to make another deep playoff run in the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Tonges' journey from undrafted free agent to key offensive contributor for the 49ers is an inspiring story of perseverance and making the most of one's opportunities. His new contract extension is a well-deserved reward for his hard work and development.