Kittle's Take: Jake Tonges' Upside, Sam Darnold's Revival, and the Saleh-Seahawks QB Puzzle

Sep 08, 2025

Kittle's Perspective: Unpacking Key NFL Storylines

George Kittle, the San Francisco 49ers' All-Pro tight end, is known not only for his on-field prowess but also for his insightful and often candid takes on the NFL landscape. This article delves into three specific areas that Kittle has likely weighed in on, either directly or that align with his known perspectives: the potential of Jake Tonges, the possibility of a Sam Darnold resurgence, and the intricate quarterback dynamic between Robert Saleh and the Seattle Seahawks.

Jake Tonges: A Diamond in the Rough?

Jake Tonges, often considered a developmental tight end, represents a fascinating project for any NFL team. The league is constantly searching for versatile players who can contribute both as blockers and receivers. Kittle, renowned for his own blocking abilities and receiving skills, likely understands the value of a tight end with such a diverse skillset.

What Makes Tonges Intriguing?

Tonges' appeal lies in several factors:

Raw Athleticism: Many scouting reports highlight Tonges' athleticism and potential for growth. He often possesses the size and speed necessary to develop into a reliable target.
Blocking Potential: Even if his receiving skills are still developing, his ability to contribute as a blocker can get him on the field early. This is particularly crucial in offenses that prioritize the run game.
Developmental Upside: NFL teams are patient with tight ends who show flashes of potential. The position often takes time to master, and Tonges could significantly improve with focused coaching and experience.

Kittle's likely view on Developing Tight Ends

Given Kittle's own journey in the NFL, it's probable he appreciates the work ethic and dedication it takes for a young tight end to succeed. He likely values:

Hard Work and Dedication: Kittle himself is known for his relentless effort, both on and off the field.
Coachability: The ability to learn and adapt is crucial for any young player.
Grit and Toughness: The tight end position demands physicality and resilience.

It is highly unlikely that George Kittle would have an extensive opinion on a player who isn't a star player. However, he would respect the position and give some insight into the journey that Jake Tonges would need to take to become a star player.

Sam Darnold: A Second Chance at Stardom?

Sam Darnold's career has been a rollercoaster. Once hailed as a franchise quarterback, he struggled to live up to expectations with the New York Jets. A trade to the Carolina Panthers didn't yield the desired results either. However, the NFL is a league of second chances, and Darnold's talent hasn't completely disappeared. Kittle, a respected voice in the league, might offer a unique perspective on Darnold's situation.

The Jets' Nightmare and Darnold's struggles

Darnold's time with the Jets can be summed up as a series of unfortunate events. He entered a team with:

A Weak Offensive Line: Constant pressure hindered his ability to make reads and deliver accurate throws.
Inconsistent Coaching: Frequent coaching changes disrupted his development and made it difficult to establish a consistent system.
A Lack of Supporting Cast: The Jets struggled to provide him with reliable receivers and a strong running game.

Carolina's Unfulfilled Promise

The move to Carolina was supposed to be a fresh start, but Darnold faced similar challenges:

Injuries: Missed games due to injuries further hampered his ability to gain momentum.
Inconsistency: Even when healthy, his performance fluctuated wildly.
A Shaky Offensive Scheme: The Panthers struggled to find a system that consistently maximized Darnold's strengths.

Kittle's Potential Perspective on Darnold

Knowing Kittle's competitive spirit and his understanding of quarterback play (playing alongside Jimmy Garoppolo and now Brock Purdy), he might view Darnold's situation with a blend of empathy and optimism. Here's what Kittle might consider:

Potential Still Exists: Kittle likely recognizes that Darnold possesses the physical tools to succeed. He has a strong arm and good mobility.
The Right System is Key: Kittle understands the importance of a quarterback being in a system that suits his strengths and provides him with adequate protection and weapons.
Mental Fortitude: Kittle undoubtedly values mental toughness. He'd likely emphasize the importance of Darnold overcoming past failures and maintaining confidence in his abilities.

The 49ers Gamble and the benefit to Darnold

The San Francisco 49ers, with Kyle Shanahan at the helm, are renowned for their ability to revitalize quarterbacks. Look at how Jimmy Garoppolo's career changed. Brock Purdy was a last-string quarterback, with hardly any draft stock, yet was able to bring the 49ers to the NFC Championship game in the 2022-2023 season.

Darnold's move to the 49ers could be the opportunity he needs. Shanahan's scheme is known for its:

Play-Action Emphasis: Which could play to Darnold's strengths.
Designed Runs: Which would leverage Darnold's mobility.
Talented Supporting Cast: A plethora of offensive weapons, including Kittle himself, Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel, and Christian McCaffrey.

It will be interesting to see what Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers do with Darnold. This will be a very important year for Darnold, as it will be an opportunity for him to prove himself and show the league what he can do.

The Saleh-Seahawks QB Dynamic: An Intriguing Connection

Robert Saleh, the head coach of the New York Jets, has deep ties to the Seattle Seahawks organization. He served as a defensive quality control coach for the Seahawks from 2011 to 2013, working under Pete Carroll. This connection creates an interesting dynamic, particularly when considering the Seahawks' quarterback situation.

Saleh's Seahawks Roots

Saleh's time in Seattle was formative. He learned from one of the league's most successful coaches in Pete Carroll and was part of a defensive staff that built the Legion of Boom. This experience likely shaped his coaching philosophy and his understanding of what it takes to build a winning team.

The Seahawks' Quarterback Puzzle

The Seahawks entered a new era after Russell Wilson's departure. Geno Smith had a career resurgence and proved to be a more-than-capable starter. But will this last? What about the future? This is an interesting question that Saleh will have insight into.

Saleh's Perspective on Quarterback Evaluation

Given his defensive background, Saleh likely prioritizes certain qualities in a quarterback. He might value:

Decision-Making: The ability to make quick and accurate reads under pressure.
Ball Security: Minimizing turnovers and protecting the football.
Leadership: The ability to command the huddle and inspire teammates.
Toughness: The willingness to stand in the pocket and take hits.

Potential Scenarios and Speculation

It's important to note that any discussion of potential scenarios is purely speculative. However, given Saleh's connection to the Seahawks, it's worth considering how he might view their quarterback situation:

Evaluating Geno Smith: Saleh has likely observed Smith's performance closely. He might have insights into Smith's strengths and weaknesses that others don't possess.
Future Draft Considerations: Knowing the Seahawks' organizational philosophy, Saleh might have a good understanding of the types of quarterbacks they are likely to target in the draft.
Potential Trades or Free Agency: While highly unlikely given his position with the Jets, Saleh's knowledge of the Seahawks' quarterback situation could influence his team's decisions in the future.

Analyzing Draft Choices

The Seahawks' draft strategy offers a glimpse into their quarterback philosophy. Selecting a quarterback early, such as Michael Penix in the 2024 draft, suggests a long-term plan. Saleh, familiar with Seattle's approach, would likely analyze these choices based on:

Fit with the Offensive Scheme: Does the quarterback's skillset align with the Seahawks' offensive system?
Potential for Development: How much upside does the quarterback possess?
Intangibles: Does the quarterback have the leadership qualities and mental toughness to succeed in the NFL?

Conclusion: Kittle's Enduring Influence

George Kittle's influence extends beyond the football field. His insights and opinions carry weight within the NFL community. Whether it's evaluating the potential of a young tight end like Jake Tonges, assessing Sam Darnold's chances of a career revival, or understanding the quarterback dynamic between Robert Saleh and the Seattle Seahawks, Kittle's perspective is always valuable. His experience, expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness make him a respected voice in the game.

Ultimately, the success of players like Jake Tonges and Sam Darnold, and the decisions made by teams like the Seahawks, will depend on a multitude of factors. But Kittle's insights provide a valuable framework for understanding these complex situations and appreciating the nuances of the NFL landscape.

Future of Sam Darnold

Now that the 2024-2025 season is nearing closer, many people have wondered how Sam Darnold will preform. He signed a one-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings just drafted Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Darnold will likely be the starter, with McCarthy learning behind him. The success that Darnold has will be largely related to the performance of the Vikings's offensive line.

Sam Darnold's Contract

Darnold's contract with the Vikings is a one-year deal worth $10 million. This gives him some security with a decent amount of money, and also puts pressure on him to perform well. With a great season, Darnold could get a longer contract with a team that would pay him more money.

Vikings Success

Sam Darnold will need to play well if the Vikings hope to make the playoffs in the 2024-2025 season. They play in a tough division with the Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions, and Chicago Bears. The Packers and Lions both made the playoffs in the 2023-2024 season. Many analysts believe that the Chicago Bears will greatly improve after drafting quarterback Caleb Williams with the number one overall pick.

The Value of Kittle's Insight

Throughout this article, we've speculated on Kittle's opinions on players like Sam Darnold and Jake Tonges, and even Saleh. It's beneficial to remember that Kittle offers a unique vantage point because he's:

A player competing in the trenches every week.
A teammate and leader inside a locker room.
An intelligent football mind with a deep understanding of the game.

All of these factors combine to make him a valuable source of insight for fans and analysts alike.

The Evolving NFL Landscape

The NFL is a constantly evolving league. Rule changes, player movement, and coaching innovations all contribute to its dynamic nature. Staying informed about these changes and understanding their potential impact is crucial for anyone who wants to follow the game closely.

Final Thoughts

The stories of Jake Tonges, Sam Darnold, and the Saleh-Seahawks connection are just a few examples of the many compelling narratives that unfold in the NFL each season. By following these stories closely and considering the insights of respected voices like George Kittle, fans can gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities and nuances of the game.