The [San Francisco 49ers](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/san-francisco-49ers) were active in the first week of NFL free agency, but it might've been a signing for just $8 million (over two years) that was most pivotal.
That's what the 49ers had to give Jake Tonges to re-sign him to their tight end depth chart, and it has major George Kittle implications.
[The Athletic's Jordan Rodrigue](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7119743/2026/03/16/nfl-free-agency-2026-analysis-summary/) called it the 49ers' "most interesting move."
"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," Rodrigue writes. "Tonges showed major potential when filling in for Kittle last season and may outplay this contract."
Rodrigue made this assertion as part of an article in which she said the 49ers' offseason moves have proven that they're in win-now mode.
She also pointed to Mac Jones and his situation as more evidence.
"One small clue that tells me where they think they are: a reportedly high asking price for quarterback Mac Jones, who a rebuilding or sprint-rebuilding team might try to turn into draft capital," Rodrigue writes. "No, the 49ers want him around in case they need him."
It is fascinating how the NFL offseason can work to casual fans versus those really in the know.
Rodrigue has singled out two things -- signing a second-string tight end, and not trading a backup QB -- and sees immense information in that.
She's right, and the 49ers clearly are a team that should be focused on winning right now.
The evidence just lies with Tonges and Jones, two places you might not think to look right away.
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