The San Francisco 49ers roster has been among the deepest in the NFL for years. While the names at the top headline the roster, such as Christian McCaffrey, Trent Williams, and others, the roster continues to have hidden gems and players waiting to break out. Whether it is an UDFA or a late-round pick, the 49ers have found production from players from top to bottom during the John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan era.
Which 49ers player is considered their best-kept secret? Bleacher Report named a player from
each roster as a hidden gem, and Brent Sobleski chose tight end Jake Tonges for the 49ers.
“Obviously, George Kittle is an elite tight end. At the same time, the seven-time Pro Bowler hasn’t played a full slate of games since the 2018 campaign. He’s currently recovering from a torn ACL that he suffered in January.
Jake Tonges is an important cog in the San Francisco 49ers’ offense, hence his new two-year, $8 million contract.
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.
In the subsequent postseason contest after Kittle’s injury, Tonges caught five of six targets for 59 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 its top weapons isn’t ready for the start of the 2026 campaign.“
With Kittle recovering from his Achilles injury, although he seems to be on track and in a good spot, Tonges will be counted on to fill in for the former All-Pro. Remembering Week 1 in Seattle last season, Tonges didn’t shy away from the pressure, hauling in the game-winning touchdown from Brock Purdy to lift San Francisco to a win.
After catching his first passes in the NFL in 2025, Tonges earned himself a contract and a role on the team. Not having to rush Kittle back is a luxury that Tonges affords the team. It’s an impressive story from the former Cal Bear.
