The 49ers have agreed to a one-year deal with tight end Ross Dwelley
After spending one year in Atlanta with the Falcons, Ross Dwelley, 30, is returning to the San Francisco 49ers. Before his one-year stint with the Falcons, Dwelley spent his entire career with the 49ers. He’d been with the team since signing as an undrafted free agent from the University of San Diego in the 2018 NFL Draft.
The 49ers had a couple of opportunities to select a tight end during the 2025 NFL Draft, but the timing never made sense. For example, having Mason Taylor from LSU, who is 20, would have been dynamite for an already explosive offense. But it would have meant a massive hole in the middle of the defense remained that the 49ers elected to fill in the second round with 330-plus pound Alfred Collins.
The 49ers had a 30-visit pre-draft with Georgia Tech’s tight end Jackson Hawes. He was available when the Niners selected Kansas State defensive back Marques Sigle. The need for additional depth became apparent after it was reported that Malik Mustapha would miss part of the regular season.
It’s unlikely they’ll rely on Dwelley on offense. In Atlanta, he played 104 snaps on offense. During his last two seasons in San Francisco, Dwelley played 176 combined offensive snaps. Tight end won’t be his role in 2025.
Dwelley has made a name for himself as a special teamer. He made his hay on kickoff returns last season for Atlanta. Dwelley is fighting for a roster spot with Bradyen Willis, Jake Tonges, and Mason Pline. Luke Farrell is being paid like George Kittle’s backup, so he figures to make the roster.
Dwelley gives the 49ers familiarity. They know what they’re getting during practice. Kyle Shanahan can count on him to be in the right place at the right time.