Logo

George Kittle Has Strong Reaction After 49ers Sign $8 Million TE Contract While Kittle Is Still Recovering from Injury – His Instagram Post Surprises the Entire NFL

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.

Comments (0)

Loading comments...

Ex 49ers pick round 3 Rejects 49ers Tryout, Aims to Join Seahawks – Fans Speculate It’s a Revenge Move
  Seattle, WA – Former San Francisco 49ers running back Ke'Shawn Vaughn has reportedly rejected a tryout invitation from the 49ers and is now pursuing a potential move to the Seattle Seahawks. This surprising decision has sparked speculation among fans, with many believing that Vaughn’s refusal to return to the 49ers could be a revenge move after his troubled tenure with the team. Vaughn, who has had a tumultuous journey with the 49ers, was first signed by the team in August 2024 during training camp and preseason. However, despite being given a chance, Vaughn was released on August 26, 2024, just before the 53-man roster cuts. The decision was reportedly made in favor of young running backs like Jordan Mason and Isaac Guerendo, who were viewed as better fits for the team’s long-term strategy. Vaughn was then signed to the 49ers' practice squad on August 29, 2024, where he played in three games, totaling just 4 yards on 2 carries. After being released again on January 13, 2025, following the season, Vaughn returned to the 49ers for a second stint in August 2025. He signed a one-year contract, but again, his performance during the preseason was underwhelming, as he posted only 46 yards on 19 carries (an average of just 2.4 yards per carry), along with 2 receptions for 4 yards. As a result, he was released on August 25, 2025, and did not make the 53-man roster for the 2025 season. Now, in 2026, Vaughn is a free agent with no team attached to his name. There have been no contract signings reported between 2025 and 2026, with many outlets, including RotoWire, suggesting that Vaughn's best years may be behind him at the age of 28. His performance has notably declined, leading some to speculate that his time in the NFL may be limited. Ke'Shawn Vaughn’s Bold Statement In a recent interview, Vaughn opened up about his decision to reject the 49ers' offer and his desire to join the Seahawks. “When I agreed to take a pay cut to stay in August, GM John Lynch told me I no longer fit into the team’s long-term strategy,” Vaughn explained. “Now, I want to go somewhere where my value is recognized appropriately. I’m looking for a fresh start, a place where I can contribute and show what I still have left in the tank.” Vaughn’s words have sparked a flurry of speculation, with many fans believing that his decision to leave the 49ers and potentially join a divisional rival like the Seahawks could be seen as a form of payback. After being cut multiple times, Vaughn might view his potential move to Seattle as a chance to prove the 49ers were wrong to let him go. Looking Ahead While Vaughn’s future remains uncertain, his rejection of the 49ers’ tryout has certainly turned heads. The Seahawks, looking to bolster their backfield, could offer Vaughn the opportunity to join a new team and perhaps reignite his career. Whether he can still deliver at a high level remains to be seen, but if the Seahawks sign him, they would gain a motivated player eager to prove himself once again in the NFL. For the 49ers, Vaughn’s departure and his comments underline the challenges the team faces in managing player expectations and keeping the right players for their system. Vaughn’s story is just one of many that highlight the cutthroat nature of NFL roster decisions, where business decisions sometimes outweigh player loyalty. As the 2026 season nears, all eyes will be on whether Vaughn can turn his career around and whether the Seahawks are the right fit for his next chapter.

Latest Posts