Who Should I Start? Anthony Firkser or Jake Tonges

Thursday, May 1, 12:10 AM

The Kansas City Chiefs released tight ends Anthony Firkser and Baylor Cupp, linebacker Shaun Bradley, offensive guard McKade Mettauer and safety Jason Taylor on Wednesday, according to KPRC's Aaron Wilson. They also received an international exemption for offensive tackle Chukwuebuka Godrick. Firkser is the biggest name of the bunch. The 30-year-old veteran tight end played for both the Chiefs and New York Jets last year but didn't contribute at all on offense and wasn't targeted in the passing game in seven total games with both teams. He signed a Reserve/Futures deal after KC's Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles but will now be searching for a new organization after the 2025 NFL draft. Firkser hasn't caught a pass in the NFL since 2022 with the Atlanta Falcons.

Wednesday, January 21, 4:51 PM

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said that tight end Jake Tonges (foot) suffered a plantar-fascia injury in the Divisional Round loss to the Seattle Seahawks last week and will need three weeks to recover, according to Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group. Before his injury on Saturday, Tonges caught five of his six targets for 59 yards, with George Kittle suffering a season-ending torn Achilles the week prior in the Wild-Card win over the Philadelphia Eagles. The 26-year-old saw an expanded role during the regular season, too, with Kittle missing time with injuries, and he finished with career highs across the board in catches (34), targets (46), receiving yards (293), and touchdowns (five) in 17 regular-season contests. Tonges should be fully healthy for next season, and he should be back in the Bay Area as a restricted free agent.