Who Should I Start? Jake Tonges or Colson Yankoff

Friday, April 18, 12:00 AM

The San Francisco 49ers announced on Thursday that tight end Jake Tonges and offensive lineman Austen Pleasants signed their one-year, exclusive-rights tenders. Both players will return to the Bay Area for the 2025 season. Tonges, 25, began his career with the Chicago Bears in 2022 and appeared in 16 games with the Niners in 2024 but was not used at all on offense on just 34 snaps. He'll make $1.03 million this year after re-signing. Instead, he played 232 snaps on special teams and had two solo tackles. The former undrafted free agent out of California will most likely serve in a similar role as a special-teams ace for San Fran in 2025. Pleasants, 27, started his career in 2021 with the Carolina Panthers and then played for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2023 and with the Niners last year. He has appeared in just five NFL games over three seasons.

Sunday, August 24, 12:01 AM

Washington Commanders tight end Colson Yankoff finished with two targets and one reception for 52 yards in Washington's final preseason game against the Ravens. Yankoff had a spectacular catch and run as he hauled in a pass up the seam, bounced off a defensive back, and showcased his speed with a 35-yard sprint after the catch. The 2024 undrafted free agent from UCLA is an exceptional athlete with a 9.56 Relative Athletic Score out of a possible 10. He's drawn consistent positive reviews out of Washington training camp for his versatility and impact on special teams. The team's top three tight ends are pretty set with Zach Ertz, John Bates, and Ben Sinnott, but signs point to Yankoff being kept as a fourth as well. If Ertz were to miss any time, Yankoff could be one to see opportunity in the receiving tight end role if Sinnott hasn't earned it.