Tight End Jake Tonges Named the 49ers’ Best-Kept Secret for 2026

The top of the San Francisco 49ers depth chart is routinely loaded with star power, but as championship teams know, seasonal success is often dictated by the next man up. The roster features several highly reliable backups capable of stepping seamlessly into the spotlight when injuries strike. That depth became entirely evident last season when starting quarterback Brock Purdy missed a stretch of time, and veteran backup Mac Jones stepped in to keep Kyle Shanahan's complex offense operating efficiently in his absence.