49ers Ink Tight End Jake Tonges to $8M Deal

Signing provides depth and flexibility as George Kittle recovers from Achilles injury.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 12:23pm by Ben Kaplan

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The San Francisco 49ers have signed tight end Jake Tonges to a two-year, $8 million contract, a move that The Athletic's Jordan Rodrigue called the team's "most interesting" offseason move so far. The signing gives the 49ers more depth at tight end as star George Kittle recovers from a torn Achilles, and it signals the team is in "win-now" mode according to Rodrigue.

Why it matters

The 49ers' offseason moves, including retaining backup quarterback Mac Jones, demonstrate the team's focus on contending for a championship in 2023 rather than rebuilding. Tonges' signing provides insurance and flexibility while Kittle recovers, allowing the 49ers to remain competitive.

The details

The two-year, $8 million contract for Tonges gives the 49ers a capable backup tight end who can fill in for Kittle if needed. Tonges showed promise when he filled in for the injured Kittle last season, and the 49ers believe he may outperform this contract. Retaining Jones as a backup quarterback also signals the 49ers' win-now mentality, as they are unwilling to trade the young QB for draft capital that a rebuilding team might seek.

  • The 49ers signed Tonges to the two-year, $8 million contract during the first week of 2023 NFL free agency.

The players

Jake Tonges

A tight end who signed a two-year, $8 million contract with the San Francisco 49ers to provide depth and insurance behind star tight end George Kittle.

George Kittle

The 49ers' star tight end who is recovering from a torn Achilles injury.

Mac Jones

The 49ers' backup quarterback whom the team has reportedly been unwilling to trade, signaling their win-now mentality.

Jordan Rodrigue

A reporter for The Athletic who analyzed the 49ers' offseason moves and identified the Tonges signing as the team's "most interesting" move so far.

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What they’re saying

“Signing tight end Jake Tonges to a two-year, $8 million deal gives Kittle much more of a runway to return from his torn Achilles. Tonges showed major potential when filling in for Kittle last season and may outplay this contract.”

— Jordan Rodrigue, Reporter

What’s next

The 49ers will monitor George Kittle's recovery from his Achilles injury and determine how much playing time Tonges will receive in the 2023 season.

The takeaway

The 49ers' offseason moves, including the Tonges signing and retaining backup QB Mac Jones, demonstrate the team's commitment to contending for a championship in 2023 rather than rebuilding. The depth and flexibility provided by Tonges will be crucial as the 49ers aim to make another Super Bowl run with their star-studded roster.