49ers Sign Tight End Jake Tonges to $8M Deal as Kittle Insurance

The 26-year-old tight end will provide depth and experience in case George Kittle is not ready to start the 2026 season.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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The San Francisco 49ers have agreed to a two-year, $8 million contract with tight end Jake Tonges, providing insurance in case star tight end George Kittle is not ready to start the 2026 season due to a playoff Achilles injury. Tonges, who is 26 years old, filled in capably for Kittle last season and had 293 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns on 34 receptions.

Why it matters

The 49ers' offense revolves around Kittle, so ensuring they have an experienced backup plan is crucial, especially with Kittle coming off a serious injury. Tonges proved he can be a reliable target when called upon, making this a smart move to shore up the tight end position.

The details

Tonges' new deal with the 49ers includes $5.5 million in guaranteed money. He emerged as a capable fill-in for Kittle last season, catching 34 passes for 293 yards and 5 touchdowns while Kittle was sidelined at the start and end of the year. In the playoffs, Tonges had 6 catches for 73 yards. The 49ers are hoping Kittle will be ready for Week 1, but Tonges provides valuable insurance in case he's not.

  • Tonges' new contract was agreed to just before the RFA tender deadline.
  • Kittle suffered a torn Achilles in the 49ers' NFC Wild Card playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

The players

Jake Tonges

A 26-year-old tight end who filled in capably for George Kittle last season, catching 34 passes for 293 yards and 5 touchdowns.

George Kittle

The 49ers' star tight end who is recovering from a torn Achilles suffered in the playoffs.

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What they’re saying

“The 49ers and TE Jake Tonges have agreed to a new deal just before the RFA tender deadline, as he gets a 2-year contract for $8M with $5.5M guaranteed, per The Insiders.”

— Ian Rapoport, NFL Network Reporter (NFL Network)

What’s next

The 49ers will monitor Kittle's recovery closely during the offseason to determine if he is on track to be ready for Week 1. If not, Tonges will be called upon to step up and lead the tight end group.

The takeaway

This contract extension for Jake Tonges is a savvy move by the 49ers to ensure they have an experienced and capable backup plan at tight end in case George Kittle is not fully recovered from his Achilles injury in time for the start of the 2026 season. Tonges proved he can be a productive pass-catcher when given the opportunity, making this a low-risk, high-reward signing for San Francisco.