It’s that time of year again, when we look at what 49ers players might not be getting the full credit they are due. Now there are always the most underrated players and then the most underappreciated players—and there’s a difference. Today, let’s take a look at just who isn’t appreciated the way they probably should.
NFL.com’s Tom Blair put together his most underappreciated players on each team. For the 49ers, he put tight end Jake Tonges as underappreciated. Before 2025, Tonges would be the most unknown
player. In fact, he hadn’t caught a single touchdown pass to his name. In Week 1 of 2025, he caught three, including the game-winner. That can put you on the map:
Tonges already arguably got his flowers, or at least a daffodil or two, via placement on Kevin Patra’s list of Unsung Heroes of 2025. And he did just sign a new contract with San Francisco. Then again, that pact pays him $4 million per year, less than 34 other tight ends in the NFL, according to Over The Cap — as the going rate for George Kittle insurance, that’s not bad. Let’s zero in on two of Tonges’ five TDs last season. His third of the year, a 6-yard grab against the Rams on Thursday Night Football in Week 5, ended the first possession of Mac Jones‘ third win in relief of Brock Purdy. His last, a 1-yard catch against the Bears on Sunday Night Football in Week 17, helped Purdy recover from his opening-drive pick-six in San Francisco’s thrillingly close victory. Both came in Kittle’s absence. Neither catch was especially flashy, but without Tonges there to actually make them, would a sliding-doors scenario have opened up to tip San Francisco’s unlikely playoff run into true nightmare territory? For the purposes of this piece, the answer is yes, obviously.
Side note: here’s the Brock Purdy/Jake Tonges connection in OTAs.
If you don’t remember Tonges’ heroics in Week 1, or filling in for George Kittle during the latter’s injury, then you probably are going to cite a crucial fumble in the NFC Divisional game against the Seattle Seahawks that came at the absolute worst time. A fumble that helped along a disaster of a playoff game.
The 49ers will need to rely on Tonges again in 2026, mostly because their star tight end, George Kittle, is still recovering from an Achilles injury. Tonges can only improve and carve out a deeper role with this 49ers offense now that he’s had a year of pressure on his shoulders.
But is he the most underappreciated? Sure, he won Week 1 and helped the 49ers through injury hell, but who else is there? Colton McKivitz signed a new contract and has quietly cemented himself as the 49ers’ answer at right tackle. Malik Mustapha comes to mind, but he’s received a lot of praise in 2026.
Any other pieces I can think of are gone. Jauan Jennings was a good answer in 2025, but he’s no longer on the team. Defensively, linebacker Dee Winters is a good choice, but he was traded to the Dallas Cowboys. Mykel Williams for setting the edge? Well, if he didn’t tear his ACL, we’d have more to go on.
I’d agree Tonges is one of the most underappreciated players on the 2026 roster. Who do you think is the most underappreciated player? And yes, Brock Purdy could be an answer, I suppose.
