The San Francisco 49ers re-establish depth at the tight end position following star pass catcher George Kittle’s tragic Achilles injury in the 2026 postseason. On Monday, 49ers brass also agreed to terms with veteran wideout Mike Evans. The deal is worth $60 million and has a three-year term.
Quarterback Brock Purdy continues to receive weapons as the 49ers’ emphasis on ensuring depth in the pass game becomes apparent.
49ers Re-Signs TE Amid George Kittle Injury Concerns
Jake Tonges returns to the Bay on a two-year, $8 million contract. The 49ers elected not to use a restricted free agent (RFA) tender on the 26-year-old, bringing the tight end back on a fresh deal following an impressive 2025-26 campaign.
The 49ers and TE Jake Tonges agreed to a new deal just before the RFA tender deadline on a 2-year contract for $8 million with $5.5M guaranteed, sources tell The Insiders.
Deal negotiated by @SteveCaric
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 11, 2026
NFL insider Tom Pelissero broke the news via an X post, sharing details of the agreement.
“The 49ers and TE Jake Tonges agreed to a new deal just before the RFA tender deadline on a 2-year contract for $8 million with $5.5M guaranteed, sources tell The Insiders,” wrote Pelissero. “Deal negotiated by @SteveCaric.”
Tonges stepped into the biggest role of his young NFL career a season ago, playing in all 17 of the 49ers’ contests. Primarily serving as the TE2, the 6’4″ 49er registered 293 yards and five touchdowns on 34 receptions.
A chunk of Tonges’ opportunity came when Kittle suffered an early-season injury, forcing the Iowa product to miss six games. Now, the 32-year-old must mend the aforementioned Achilles bump, suffered in the 49ers’ Wild Card victory over Philadelphia.
Kittle’s recovery timetable remains uncertain. However, ESPN’s Nick Wagoner describes that while the enthusiastic star may be positive, his medical evaluation will be the key determinant.
“Most notably, when Dr. Neal ElAttrache performed the Achilles repair surgery on Kittle on Jan. 14, he noted that it was a clean tear that happened high up by his soleus (a muscle in the posterior of the calf),” said Wagoner.
The news of a clean tear further heightens the caution around Kittle and when he may return. In the meantime, Tonges will look to continue filling in nicely when called upon.
Using PFSN’s TE Impact metric, Tonges lands 42nd amongst active tight ends with a 72.9 impact score and a C- grade. Predictably, his role as TE2 for the majority of the season sets his ceiling lower than most. Despite his rating, the former California Golden Bear did finish in the top 15 for touchdowns caught by a tight end in 2025-26.
Can Tonges play a large enough role to help the 49ers reach their potential if Kittle is to miss extended time?
