49ers Re-Sign Breakout TE to $8 Million Deal

Two-year contract keeps Jake Tonges as George Kittle's backup

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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The San Francisco 49ers have re-signed tight end Jake Tonges to a two-year, $8 million contract, including $5.5 million in guaranteed money. Tonges had a breakout 2025 season, catching 34 passes for 293 yards and 5 touchdowns after being a non-factor in his first two NFL seasons.

Why it matters

Keeping Tonges in the fold provides the 49ers with a reliable backup and receiving threat behind star tight end George Kittle. Tonges proved he can step in and produce when called upon, making this a smart move to retain a young, ascending player.

The details

The 49ers and Tonges agreed to the two-year deal just before the restricted free agent tender deadline. Tonges emerged as a legitimate receiving option in 2025 after having zero receptions and only one target in his first two seasons.

  • Tonges finished his second season with the 49ers in 2025.
  • The 49ers and Tonges agreed to the two-year deal just before the restricted free agent tender deadline in 2026.

The players

Jake Tonges

A third-year tight end who had a breakout 2025 season with the 49ers, catching 34 passes for 293 yards and 5 touchdowns.

George Kittle

The 49ers' star tight end, whom Tonges backs up and fills in for when injured.

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The takeaway

The 49ers' decision to re-sign Tonges to a multi-year deal demonstrates their commitment to maintaining depth and talent at the tight end position behind star George Kittle. Tonges' emergence as a reliable receiving option in 2025 made him a priority to retain for the 49ers' offense.