Jake Tonges is not a household name—outside of Bay Area sports fans, few have heard of him. The California Golden Bears alum went undrafted in 2022 and signed with the Chicago Bears. Given that he totaled just over 600 receiving yards across four seasons at Cal, it wasn't a shock that he was overlooked in the draft. However, his athleticism and ability to play both fullback and tight end piqued Chicago's interest.
Tonges managed to make the 53-man roster and appeared in four games, logging 16 offensive snaps—a notable achievement for an undrafted free agent. Unfortunately, his Cinderella story was short-lived. After those four games, he was moved to the practice squad and subsequently released the following season.
The 49ers Take a Chance
Jake Tonges' NFL journey seemed all but over when the Chicago Bears released him during the 2023 season. Just as his career appeared to be hanging by a thread, the San Francisco 49ers stepped in. Their decision to give Tonges a shot made perfect sense. Not only is he a California native who played his college ball at Cal, but his versatility is exactly what head coach Kyle Shanahan values most. For Tonges, joining the 49ers was likely an easy choice. He would be able to return to California and join an organization renowned for turning overlooked underdogs into key contributors, which could theoretically jump-start his NFL career.
The 49ers have built a reputation for exceptional coaching at every level, consistently recognizing talent that other teams and scouts often miss. Take George Kittle, for example: his draft profile suggested he would be nothing more than a career backup who lacked route-running skills and the size to block effectively. The 49ers saw beyond the scouting reports, drafted him, and developed him into the league's premier tight end.
That same eye for hidden potential, coupled with Shanahan's steadfast "next man up" philosophy, means draft status takes a backseat to performance and grit. For a player like Tonges, the 49ers are the ideal landing spot to prove he belongs in the NFL.
Next Man Up
In the opening game of the 2025 season, the 49ers faced immediate adversity when star tight end George Kittle suffered a hamstring injury. With top wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk already sidelined, the responsibility to step up fell squarely on second-year wideout Ricky Pearsall. That's when Jake Tonges seized his opportunity. Not only did Tonges secure his first NFL catch, but he also delivered in the clutch—hauling in the game-winning touchdown on a deflected pass.
Since that breakout moment, Tonges has become a surprising and reliable weapon in the 49ers' offense, racking up 25 receptions for 224 yards and three scores. His remarkable athleticism has been evident, averaging an impressive 9 yards per catch and consistently making plays when his team needs him most.
George Kittle Return Incoming
There's no question that George Kittle remains the premier tight end in the NFL. Yet, given the current wave of injuries plaguing the team, Jake Tonges has more than earned his spot in the lineup, proving himself as a dynamic pass-catching tight end.
Even if the 49ers manage to get back to full strength this season—a scenario that's looking increasingly unlikely—Tonges has demonstrated that his talent and reliability are simply too valuable to overlook. He embodies the versatility and determination that Kyle Shanahan covets, making him a perfect fit for the 49ers' offensive scheme both now and in the future.