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George Kittle didn’t need many words to make his feelings clear after the San Francisco 49ers brought back Jake Tonges. In an Instagram Story screenshot shared Wednesday, Kittle reposted the Tonges signing graphic and wrote, “@jaketonges big dawg!!!” — a quick but telling reaction to one of the team’s latest free-agency decisions.
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That response came after NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that the 49ers agreed to a 2-year, $8 million contract with Tonges that includes $5.5 million guaranteed, just before the restricted free agent tender deadline. The timing matters because San Francisco is still shaping its 2026 roster, and keeping a productive No. 2 tight end behind Kittle avoids a depth issue at a position that became important last season.
The 49ers and TE Jake Tonges agreed to a new deal just before the restricted free agent tender deadline. It’s a two-year contract for $8 million, including $5.5M guaranteed, per agent Steve Caric.
49ers News: George Kittle Reacts to SF Re-Signing Jake Tonges
Kittle’s “big dawg” post stood out because Tonges was not just another back-end roster player for the 49ers last season. He became a meaningful part of the offense when called upon, and Kittle’s public endorsement suggests the veteran star values continuity in the tight end room.
San Francisco clearly did, too. Pelissero’s reported deal structure — 2 years, $8 million, with $5.5 million guaranteed — is notable money for a complementary tight end, especially one who entered the league as an undrafted player. It signals the 49ers believe Tonges is more than camp depth and want to keep their TE rotation stable as free agency moves continue.
Jake Tonges Contract Details Show 49ers Value Their TE Depth
The contract matters beyond the headline number. The guaranteed money is the clearest clue that Tonges has a real place in San Francisco’s plans, not just a flier entering camp. With Kittle still entrenched as TE1, Tonges projects as a valuable second tight end who can protect the 49ers if injuries hit again and give Kyle Shanahan another familiar option in multi-TE looks.
That matters today because San Francisco is making early new-league-year decisions, and locking in depth before the rest of the market develops can prevent the club from needing to chase another veteran later. It also keeps continuity at a spot where the 49ers got unexpected production in 2025.
Jake Tonges Stats, PFF
Tonges finished the 2025 regular season with 34 catches for 293 yards and 5 touchdowns, according to the 49ers’ official roster page. Those numbers were easily the most significant production of his NFL career and helped turn him from a little-known reserve into a real part of San Francisco’s offensive depth chart.
PFF’s page lists Tonges with a 75.7 overall grade for 2025, which ranked ninth among tight ends on that board. NFL.com also highlighted him as one of the 49ers’ underrated contributors, noting that San Francisco quarterbacks posted a 126.4 passer rating when targeting him in 2025.
That is why Kittle’s reaction carries some weight. This was not a star applauding a random depth move. It was the face of San Francisco’s tight end room reacting to the return of a player who proved he could help.
What Jake Tonges’ Return Means for the 49ers
The simplest takeaway is that the 49ers preserved a position strength. Kittle remains the headline name, but Tonges gives the offense another trusted tight end with recent production, and that can matter in the red zone, in heavier personnel packages, and over a long season.
For a team still working through roster decisions, this is the kind of move that may not dominate national headlines but can matter once games start.
Erik Anderson is an award-winning sports journalist covering the NBA, MLB and NFL for Heavy.com. He also focuses on the trading card market. His work has appeared in nationally-recognized outlets including The New York Times, Associated Press , USA Today, and ESPN. More about Erik Anderson
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