Who Should I Start? Jake Tonges or Luke Lachey

Saturday, March 28, 10:20 AM

After failing to record a catch over his first two NFL seasons, San Francisco 49ers tight end Jake Tonges emerged as a quality contributor in 2025. Across 17 games, the 26-year-old hauled in 34 receptions for 293 yards and five touchdowns on 46 targets. Tonges' performance was enough to earn him a new two-year contract worth $8 million from San Francisco in free agency. The majority of his production in 2025 came when fellow 49ers tight George Kittle (Achilles) was sidelined by injury between Week 2 and Week 6. However, Tonges may have another chance to work as the 49ers' lead tight end to open 2026, as Kittle is currently recovering from a torn Achilles tendon that he suffered in the playoffs and is likely to miss time next season. Tonges could be a solid sleeper tight end option for fantasy managers to target heading into 2026.