With the 2025 NFL Draft wrapped up, the San Francisco 49ers are looking ahead to the rest of the offseason. The 49ers still have to figure out Brock Purdy’s contract situation before training camp begins in July.
Until then, the Niners are using this time to get to know their rookie class, while also bringing back a familiar face to the organization. On Friday, the team announced they signed veteran tight end Ross Dwelley to a one-year deal.
The 49er faithful is familiar with Dwelley, who spent the first six years of his football career in San Francisco. However, the veteran pass catcher departed the organization after 2023 and signed a one-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons.
Dwelley was the Falcons’ TE3 behind former 49er Charlie Woerner, who was the TE2. Dwelley wasn’t featured much on offense, playing 9% of snaps, but 37% of snaps on special teams.
Now the 30-year-old pass catcher is back in the Bay Area, rejoining a crowded 49ers' tight end room. George Kittle, who just signed a huge four-year extension, still leads the way. But the 49ers signed free-agent Luke Farrell to a three-year, $15.75 million deal in free agency last month.
Farrell, who is more of a blocking tight end, will likely be the TE2 behind Kittle this upcoming season. Therefore, we might have an open competition for the TE3 spot this summer. Given Dwelley’s experience in Kyle Shanahan’s system, it would make sense that he would be the potential frontrunner.
In his six years with the 49ers, Dwelley had 44 receptions (60 targets) for 518 yards and five touchdowns across 84 games (17 starts).
However, the 49ers also have Brayden Willis, Jake Tonges, and Mason Pline. Willis has spent the last two years in San Francisco after he was taken in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
With mandatory minicamp and training camp right around the corner, we’ll see if the 49ers bring back any other familiar faces to fill out the 90-man roster.