Former $35 Million 49ers Linebacker Expresses Desire to Return to San Francisco After Being Released by the Broncos Following Just One Season – The Meaningful Return of a “Lost Son”

San Francisco, CA – March 11, 2026 San Francisco 49ers made a surprising move by signing Jake Tonges, a tight end from the team, to a 2-year, $8 million deal, with $5.5 million guaranteed. However, this move not only caught the attention of fans but also led to a strong reaction from George Kittle, the team’s star tight end. Kittle’s Instagram post shocked both fans and media, raising questions about his relationship with teammates and his current recovery process. Immediately after the announcement of Tonges' contract, George Kittle shared an Instagram post with the message, “@jaketonges big dawg!!!”. This quick but telling reaction clearly shows Kittle’s support for his new teammate. Given that Kittle is still recovering from an injury and hasn’t been involved in team activities lately, his reaction came as a surprise to many, sparking curiosity about his thoughts on the team’s current moves. The signing of Tonges marks a strategic move by the 49ers to maintain depth at the tight end position. In the 2025 season, Tonges recorded 34 catches, 293 yards, and 5 touchdowns, showing that he can be a valuable asset to the team. Kittle’s public endorsement demonstrates that he values Tonges' contributions and sees him as an important part of the team’s future. One of the key factors that makes Kittle’s reaction even more noteworthy is that he is still in the process of recovering from his injury and is not participating in team workouts at the moment. The decision to sign another tight end during this time has caused some concern among fans, raising questions about Kittle’s role in the upcoming season and whether he can return to peak form after a lengthy absence. Signing Tonges at this moment shows the 49ers’ dedication to maintaining a strong team lineup, particularly at the tight end position. This move ensures they have a reliable backup in case of injuries, and it also highlights the importance of depth in a long and grueling season. While the news isn’t as headline-grabbing as some other signings, it could have a significant impact once the season begins. George Kittle’s strong reaction to the signing of Jake Tonges shows the bond within the team, despite concerns about his injury recovery. While this move may have raised some doubts among fans, it is also a sign that the 49ers are preparing for the future, ensuring they have a solid team structure in place as they look toward Super Bowl contention. With Kittle’s backing, Tonges is joining a well-established team, and together they will work towards the ultimate goal of winning the Super Bowl in the upcoming season.