49ers Don’t Have to Look Far to Find George Kittle’s Replacement

The San Francisco 49ers face a major challenge this offseason as they look to prepare for at least part of the 2026 season without star tight end George Kittle. Kittle, who has been a key piece of the 49ers’ offense for years, has played through injuries in the past, but with uncertainty surrounding his status, the team is looking at their options for how to fill the void at tight end. Fortunately, they may not need to search far for a capable replacement—and Jake Tonges could be the answer.

In 2025, Jake Tonges was a relative unknown with zero receptions over the course of 20 NFL games before stepping up when Kittle went down with a hamstring injury in Week 1. With a chance to prove himself as a viable backup, Tonges seized the opportunity, and now, as he heads into restricted free agency, the 49ers have a major decision to make regarding his future with the team.

Jake Tonges: A Breakout Season in 2025

The 2025 season marked a turning point for Jake Tonges, who started two of the 17 games he played in. While his career had previously been quiet, he made a significant leap, logging 399 offensive snaps, a career-high by far. During that time, Tonges posted 34 receptions for 293 yards and five touchdowns, proving he was more than just a backup. Notably, he caught passes in difficult situations, handling throws in traffic, making high-pointed receptions, and catching passes on the move. These moments not only showcased his versatility but also solidified his place as a reliable target for the 49ers’ offense.

Perhaps most impressively, Tonges finished the season with only one drop on 53 targets, including postseason play. His ability to contribute when needed made him a dependable option in a tight end room that has featured Kittle for years. Now, as Tonges enters restricted free agency, the 49ers have to decide whether to bring him back as their primary backup or look for an external option to fill the role.

The 49ers’ Tight End Depth and Potential Replacements

If the 49ers let Tonges go this offseason, they may not have a clear in-house option to take on a significant role as the second or third tight end. Brayden Willis, who showed potential last season, could be in line for more work, but if the team decides to move on from Tonges, they’ll likely need to invest in another tight end through the NFL Draft or free agency.

This year’s free-agent market features several intriguing options for the 49ers if they’re looking to upgrade at the position. Players like David Njoku (Cleveland Browns), Isaiah Likely (Baltimore Ravens), and Chig Okonkwo (Tennessee Titans) will be unrestricted free agents and could provide more dynamic options as pass catchers. However, adding one of these players would require significant investment, and the 49ers might need to weigh the benefits of keeping Tonges—who has shown strong production and an affinity for making big plays—over acquiring a high-profile player.

Jake Tonges’ Contract Situation: What’s Next?

Heading into restricted free agency, Tonges will likely receive a right-of-first-refusal tender from the 49ers. This would lock in a one-year contract worth $3,547,000 for the 26-year-old tight end. The RFA tender would allow Tonges to explore the free-agent market and test his value, but the 49ers would have the right to match any offers from other teams.

While this tender gives the 49ers a good deal of control over Tonges’ future, a multiyear contract might be more beneficial for both sides. A deal similar to the one the 49ers gave Luke Farrell—who was far less productive than Tonges and played only five more offensive snaps—could make sense. Farrell received a three-year deal worth up to $20.25 million, with $11 million guaranteed.

Given Tonges’ rise in 2025 and his ability to contribute as a reliable pass catcher, a long-term deal could quickly become a tremendous value for the 49ers, especially if he continues to improve as a tight end.

Should the 49ers Re-Sign Jake Tonges?

The answer, in short, is yes. The 49ers should re-sign Jake Tonges with a multiyear contract rather than allowing him to play on a one-year RFA tender, which would make him an unrestricted free agent next season. Tonges has already demonstrated his ability to be productive in the passing game and could continue to develop into a key part of the team’s offense. A longer contract would lock in his services at a reasonable cost, while allowing the 49ers to maintain depth at a critical position behind George Kittle.

Tonges is still relatively young at 26 and appears to be on an upward trajectory in his career. Keeping him for the long term would ensure the 49ers have a reliable tight end who can contribute to both the pass game and run blocking, as needed.

The Future for the 49ers’ Tight End Room

As the 2026 offseason progresses, the 49ers will need to make important decisions regarding their tight end group. While George Kittle’s future is secure for now, the team must address the depth behind him. Jake Tonges, with his breakout 2025 campaign, should be a key part of those plans, and re-signing him on a multiyear deal would provide stability and depth to a position that is crucial to the 49ers’ offense.

If the team decides to bring him back, Tonges will have an opportunity to solidify his place as a trusted backup and potentially continue to develop into one of the more reliable tight ends in the NFL.

The 49ers’ Super Bowl aspirations in 2026 will depend heavily on getting the most out of their existing talent, and Tonges’ continued growth could be one of the critical factors in helping this team reach their ultimate goal.