Bhan-BREAKING: George Kittle’s Return Forces 49ers to Make Final Decision on TE Jake Tonges’ Future. 🏈⚡With Kittle back in full form, San Francisco’s tight end room just got crowded — and the front office had to make a tough call. For Jake Tonges, it could be the end of his 49ers chapter… or the start of something new.

George Kittle’s return could push breakout 49ers TE onto trade block

A team in need of a tight end may trade for him.

San Francisco 49ers v Los Angeles Rams – NFL 2025 | Michael Zagaris/GettyImages

When San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle went down with a hamstring injury in Week 1, it seemed like the team was in big trouble.

Jake Tonges has stepped up in a big way, but he could be a valuable trade chip now.

Kittle’s injury in Week 1 against the Seattle Seahawks has kept him on the sideline ever since. While the hope was he could be back in Week 6 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, it seems likely that he will miss that game as well.

The All-Pro was seen near the practice field doing light drills this week, but the Niners clearly want to be smart and not rush him back from injury, even though it is good to see him back out there at least doing some light work again.

Thankfully, Tonges has filled in quite nicely.

The former Cal Bear was the hero of Week 1 against Seattle as he came up with an amazing catch for a touchdown to give the Niners the lead late in the game.

He has continued to be productive after that great game. His last two weeks, in particular, have been very solid. In Week 4 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Tonges caught three passes for 58 yards and a touchdown. He came up big again in Week 5 against the Los Angeles Rams with seven receptions for 41 yards on 11 targets and a touchdown.

Even when Kittle comes back, Tonges could still be a very viable No. 2 tight end target. However, he will definitely see his targets and playing time go down with San Francisco getting back one of the best tight ends in the NFL.

That could open the door for the 49ers to trade Tonges to a team in need of a tight end. There are clearly other areas the Niners could improve on the roster, like their defensive line, so maybe including Tonges in a package could net a better return.

At the same time, it may be wise for the 49ers to keep Tonges. If Kittle goes down again, San Francisco will need a viable tight end target, and Tonges has proven himself to be that.

The trade deadline is coming up, and the Niners may very well be contenders this year, so including Tonges in trade talks is something they should consider with the tight end’s strong start to the season and his stock value at an astounding high point.