Who Should I Start? Jake Tonges or Dallin Holker

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 11, 10:00 AM

New Orleans Saints rookie tight end Dallin Holker caught all three targets for 24 yards in his NFL debut. The 24-year-old undrafted rookie has an opportunity to earn a roster spot with Juwan Johnson (foot) currently on the PUP list. Holker was the only Saints tight end aside from Michael Jacobson (one catch for four yards) to record a catch in the preseason win over Arizona. He will be an intriguing name to keep an eye on throughout the rest of the preseason as he competes with Johnson, Foster Moreau, Jacobson, and Kevin Rader for a roster spot.