Backup 49ers tight end labeled San Francisco’s best-kept secret

The high of the San Francisco 49ers depth chart is loaded with star energy, however the roster additionally options a number of dependable backups able to stepping in when wanted. That turned evident final season when quarterback Brock Purdy missed time and Mac Jones helped maintain the offense working effectively in his absence.

One NFL author believes one other underrated 49ers contributor is able to acting at a excessive stage in 2026, if wanted.

Brent Sobleski of Bleacher Report examined each NFL roster and identified each team’s best-kept secret heading into organized workforce actions. For the 49ers, Sobleski chosen backup tight end Jake TongesAll-Pro George Kittle‘s backup.

While Kittle stays one of many NFL’s elite tight ends, sturdiness has sometimes been a problem all through his profession. Over 9 NFL seasons, Kittle has performed a full regular-season schedule simply as soon as—again in 2018.

Kittle is at the moment rehabbing the Achilles harm he suffered through the playoffs, though he stays optimistic about being prepared for the beginning of the 2026 NFL season. If he’s pressured to overlook time, Tonges may turn into an essential piece of San Francisco’s offense.

“Jake Tonges is an important cog in the San Francisco 49ers’ offense, hence his new two-year, $8 million contract,” Sobleski wrote. “Tonges played in every game last season and finally got his chance to contribute as a pass-catcher. The 2022 undrafted free agent caught 34 passes for 293 yards and five touchdowns.”

Filling in for Kittle within the playoff sport towards the Seattle Seahawks, Tonges caught 5 of his six targets for 59 receiving yards.

“He’s a capable threat that Brock Purdy has grown to trust, which should allow the Niners offense to keep operating at a high level even if one of their top weapons isn’t ready for the start of the 2026 campaign,” Sobleski concluded.