49ers GM John Lynch asked Kyle Juszczyk to take a pay cut.
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49ers GM John Lynch asked Kyle Juszczyk to take a pay cut.
Just days after the start of the NFL’s legal tampering period, the San Francisco 49ers have locked up one of their veteran tight ends. According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, the Niners have re-signed soon-to-be fifth-year tight end Jake Tonges to a two-year deal worth $8 million. $5.5 million will be guaranteed for the California native.
Jake Tonges’ Familiarity with the San Francisco 49ers is Key
Jake Tonges
GettyJake Tonges (88) got his start in the NFL with the Chicago Bears in 2022.
The move to bring back Tonges feels like it was an easy decision. With All-Pro tight end George Kittle recovering from a torn Achilles injury, the Niners could’ve used another familiar face in the room. Tonges has been with the organization since the 2023 season.
A former California Golden Bear, Tonges has made his mark in the Bay Area as a reserve tight end behind Kittle. He has played in 35 games across the last two seasons, including playoffs. His best season came last year when he made the first two starts of his career. The 26-year-old recorded 34 receptions (6th on the team) for 293 yards and five touchdowns.
Also, a quality blocking tight end, Tonges felt like an essential piece of head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense. While Kittle works his way back from his ACL injury, Tonges can help shoulder the load in the tight end room, along with the help of soon-to-be sixth-year tight end Luke Farrell.
49ers Hope to Replicate Success on Offense in 2026
Brock Pudy
Brock Purdy made the Pro Bowl in his first year as a full-time starter in 2023.
Despite jumping in between veteran starting quarterback Brock Purdy and backup Mac Jones last season, the 49ers were able to find plenty of success on offense. A top-10 offense in both total yards (351.4 YPG) and scoring (25.7 PPG), San Francisco showed up and showed out on the offensive side of things. There is a reason why they were able to win 12 games and compete in a brutal NFC West.
Heading into the 2026 season, it will be up to Purdy, along with Kittle and the rest of Shanahan’s offense, to stay healthy. Purdy himself has never played a full season and has only played in more than 10 games twice in four NFL seasons. He is the straw that stirs the drink, and although Jones led the 49ers to five wins in eight starts in place of Purdy, the former Iowa State star is the one who will have the biggest hand in deciding if the team can reach the Super Bowl.
On the defensive side of the football, the same is true in the case of injuries. With both 49ers All-Pro defenders, Nick Bosa and Fred Warner, returning from major injuries, the pressure is on that unit to stay clean. At the end of the day, health could be the one thing that is separating this team from taking home its first Super Bowl in over three decades. At the very least, Kittle’s health played a major role in the team deciding to bring back Tonges on a multi-year deal.