The san Francisco 49ers are bringing back a familiar face to bolster their tight end
depth. Ross Dwelley, who spent the 2024 season with the Atlanta Falcons, has signed a
one-year deal to return to the Bay Area. Dwelley originally joined the 49ers in 2018 as
an undrafted free agent and remained with the team through the 2023 season.
Over his NFL career, including his stint in Atlanta, Dwelley has appeared in 101 games,
starting in 17. He’s recorded 45 receptions for 523 yards and five touchdowns, and has
also seen action in seven postseason contests. at 30 years old, Dwelley’s experience
and familiarity with the 49ers’ offensive system make him a valuable addition to the
tight end room.
Dwelley’s return addresses a key need for the 49ers: reliable blocking at the tight end
position.he and Charlie Woerner, who also played for the Falcons in 2024, were
previously key contributors to the 49ers’ run game due to their blocking prowess. While
Woerner remains in Atlanta, Dwelley’s return helps recapture that blocking strength.
Ross knows our system inside and out. He’s a smart,dependable player who can
a source close to the 49ers organization told
contribute in multiple ways,
ArchySports.com, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Tight End Depth a Priority
The 49ers also signed Luke Farrell during free agency, further emphasizing their focus on
blocking tight ends. Farrell is known for his blocking abilities and is expected to fill
the role previously held by Woerner. With Dwelley and Farrell in the mix, the 49ers aim
to replicate the strong tight end group they had prior to the 2024 season, anchored by
star George Kittle.
dwelley’s potential to contribute in the passing game adds another dimension to his
value. While Kittle remains the primary receiving threat at tight end, Dwelley could be
utilized in situations where the 49ers look to catch defenses off guard. The importance
of blocking tight ends cannot be overstated, especially considering past injuries.
The ability of a tight end to effectively block can be the difference between a
accomplished play and a quarterback getting sacked.— Steve Young, ESPN Analyst
Remember the 2022 NFC Championship game against the Philadelphia Eagles? When Tyler Kroft
missed a crucial block on Haason Reddick, Brock Purdy suffered an injury that significantly
impacted the game. that play underscores the critical role of blocking, especially in
high-stakes situations.
The 49ers did not draft a tight end this year, making the addition of Dwelley a logical
move to ensure sufficient depth at the position. Though, Dwelley is not guaranteed a
roster spot. He will compete with Mason Pline, Jake Tonges, Brayden Willis, and Luke
Farrell during training camp. All of these players, except Farrell, are 25 years old,
making the competition fierce. Farrell is 27.
The 49ers’ tight end situation is one to watch during the offseason and preseason.The
team’s commitment to strong blocking, combined with Kittle’s receiving prowess, could
make their tight end group a significant asset in the upcoming season.Further
inquiry could focus on how the 49ers plan to utilize multiple tight end sets to
maximize their offensive potential. Will they emulate the New england Patriots’ success
with Gronkowski and Hernandez, or forge their own unique approach?
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dwelley’s return solidifies the 49ers’ commitment to a balanced offensive attack. His familiarity with the team, combined with the addition of blocking specialist Luke Farrell, offers head coach Kyle Shanahan a mix of experience and adaptability.
To offer a clearer picture of dwelley’s impact and the current tight end situation,let’s delve into a comparative analysis:
Key Tight End Metrics: Dwelley vs. Notable 49ers Tight Ends
Below is a comparative overview of Ross dwelley alongside other key tight ends who have played a important role for the 49ers, including current players and recent additions like Charlie Woerner. This table highlights critical statistics that illustrate each player’s contribution to both the running and passing games as of the end of the 2024-2025 NFL season, demonstrating their value.
| Player | Games Played | Receptions | Receiving Yards | touchdowns | Yards per Reception | Career Blocking Grade (PFF) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ross Dwelley | 101 | 45 | 523 | 5 | 11.6 | 68.5 |
| George Kittle | 97 | 425 | 5,676 | 35 | 13.3 | 77.2 |
| Charlie Woerner | 33 | 11 | 98 | 0 | 8.9 | 71.1 |
| Luke Farrell | 34 | 13 | 100 | 0 | 7.7 | 65.8 |
*Note: Blocking grades are per Pro Football Focus (PFF) and represent career averages where available, offering insights into each player’s proficiency in run and pass protection.
This table vividly illustrates the roles. Dwelley,while not a primary receiving threat like Kittle,provides a stable and reliable presence for blocking. Woerner’s and Farrell’s statistics underscore their key blocking contribution.
The re-signing of Dwelley underscores a strategic focus on building a tight end unit that excels in both blocking and receiving. This approach is critical for the 49ers, who rely heavily on their running game. Offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan values versatility in his players and Dwelley fulfills that need.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Ross Dwelley and the 49ers’ Tight end Situation
1. Who is Ross Dwelley?
Ross Dwelley is a veteran NFL tight end. He was originally signed by the 49ers as an undrafted free agent, Dwelley brings experience and strong blocking ability.
2. Why did the 49ers re-sign Ross Dwelley?
The 49ers re-signed dwelley for his proven blocking skills, which support the team’s running game. Additionally, he understands the team’s offensive system and brings veteran leadership to the tight end room.
3. What is Ross Dwelley’s role on the 49ers’ offense?
Dwelley primarily serves as a blocking tight end, aiding in run and pass protection. He possesses the versatility to be utilized in receiving plays, adding diversity to the 49ers’ offensive strategies.
4. How does Dwelley’s return impact other tight ends on the roster?
Dwelley’s return increases competition for a roster spot. Young players like Mason Pline, Jake Tonges, and Brayden Willis must compete more aggressively, underscoring the 49ers’ emphasis on depth and versatility at the tight end spot.
5. How does blocking by tight ends impact the 49ers’ offensive performance?
Effective blocking by tight ends like Dwelley is crucial for the success of the running game, giving quarterbacks more time to make plays, and reducing the risk of injuries. Efficient blocking is a significant factor for the San Francisco 49ers and their success.
6. What are the 49ers trying to achieve with their tight end group?
The 49ers focus on a versatile and dependable tight-end unit, ensuring strong run blocking, a receiving threat, and the ability to adjust to various game situations.The team aims to maximize its offensive efficiency through a combination of experienced blocking specialists and skilled receiving tight ends.
