When Ross Dwelley signed a one-year deal to return to the San Francisco 49ers late in the 2025 offseason, it initially seemed like a move to bolster depth for training camp and the preseason. After all, the veteran tight end’s role had diminished in recent years, and his brief stint with the Atlanta Falcons in 2024 yielded little impact. However, a closer look at the 49ers’ roster and Dwelley’s unique position suggests his reunion with the team could extend well into the regular season. Here’s why the 30-year-old Northern California native might stick around longer than expected.
A Familiar Face in a Thin Depth Chart
Dwelley’s return to San Francisco comes at a time when the 49ers’ tight end room, while led by All-Pro George Kittle, lacks proven depth. Behind Kittle and free-agent addition Luke Farrell, a blocking specialist, the options are relatively untested: Mason Pline, Jake Tonges, and Brayden Willis. None of these players have significant NFL experience, with most of their time spent on the practice squad or in limited roles.
In contrast, Dwelley brings six years of experience with the 49ers (2018-2023), including a career-best 2020 season as Kittle’s primary backup. His familiarity with Kyle Shanahan’s system gives him a significant edge over younger, less seasoned players. While his one-year, $1.198 million contract includes no guaranteed money—meaning the 49ers could release him without financial penalty—Dwelley’s knowledge of the playbook and proven reliability make him a valuable asset in a pinch.
Missed Opportunities in the Draft
The 2025 NFL Draft was notably deep at the tight end position, yet San Francisco opted not to select one. This decision raised eyebrows, as the team could have added a high-upside rookie to develop behind Kittle. Instead, the 49ers appear to be banking on their current group, with Dwelley’s experience standing out in a room full of question marks. Unless Pline, Tonges, or Willis make a compelling case during training camp and preseason, Dwelley’s chances of securing a spot as the TE3—or even TE2, depending on Farrell’s role—look promising.
A Low-Risk, High-Reward Signing
Dwelley’s contract structure further supports the idea that the 49ers see him as more than a camp body. While the lack of guaranteed money gives the team flexibility, it also reflects confidence in Dwelley’s ability to compete for a roster spot without tying up significant cap space. His role as an emergency go-to option is particularly appealing given the unproven nature of the other tight ends. If Dwelley can demonstrate his grasp of the system and perform consistently in camp, he could solidify his place on the 53-man roster by Week 1.
The X-Factor: System Familiarity
One of Dwelley’s biggest advantages is his prior tenure with the 49ers. Despite spending 2024 with the Falcons, where he saw limited action, Dwelley’s six seasons in San Francisco give him an intimate understanding of the team’s offensive schemes. This familiarity could prove invaluable in a position group where chemistry and precision are critical, especially in Shanahan’s complex system. If Dwelley can quickly reacclimate and show he hasn’t lost a step, his experience could outweigh the potential of younger players vying for the same role.
What’s Next for Dwelley?
While Dwelley is far from a lock to make the final roster, the stars seem to be aligning for him to stick around. The lack of proven depth, the 49ers’ draft decisions, and Dwelley’s system knowledge all point to a realistic shot at a regular-season role. To secure his spot, he’ll need to outperform his younger competitors in camp and prove he can still contribute as a reliable backup, whether as a blocker, receiver, or special teams player.
In a season where the 49ers are aiming to maximize their championship window, having a dependable veteran like Dwelley could be a small but significant piece of the puzzle. His reunion with the team may have started as a depth move, but it could end up being a longer-term homecoming than anyone anticipated.