Ross Dwelley has carved out a resilient professional career in the NFL, evolving from an undrafted free agent into a dependable veteran tight end known for his versatility and special teams contributions. Over eight active seasons, Dwelley has appeared in 112 games, recording 18 starts. His career totals include 47 receptions for 530 yards and 5 touchdowns. While primarily serving in a depth role, Dwelley has proven himself to be a vital "glue guy" for multiple organizations, most notably during his long tenure with the San Francisco 49ers.

Complete NFL Career Statistics Summary

Ross Dwelley’s statistical output reflects his role as a situational receiver and a high-effort blocker. Below is the cumulative data through the end of the 2025 NFL regular season.

Category Career Totals (Through 2025)
Games Played 112
Games Started 18
Receptions 47
Receiving Yards 530
Receiving Touchdowns 5
Average Yards Per Catch 11.3
Longest Reception 56 yards

Detailed Breakdown of the 2025 Season

The 2025 season was a period of significant movement for Dwelley, demonstrating his continued demand as a veteran depth piece across the league. His year was characterized by transitions between three different NFL organizations.

Dwelley began the 2025 cycle with a brief return to the San Francisco 49ers during the offseason and training camp. However, as teams finalized their 53-man rosters, he moved on to the Detroit Lions. During his stint in Detroit, Dwelley appeared in 10 games, primarily contributing to special teams units while serving as the third-string tight end. He recorded 1 reception for 3 yards during his time with the Lions before being released in late December.

To conclude the 2025 campaign, Dwelley signed with the Carolina Panthers' practice squad. This move allowed the Panthers to add veteran insurance to their tight end room during the final weeks of the season and into the postseason evaluation period.

The San Francisco 49ers Era (2018–2023)

The majority of Ross Dwelley's statistical production and impact occurred during his six-season stay in San Francisco. After signing as an undrafted free agent out of the University of San Diego in 2018, Dwelley defied the odds to become a mainstay in Kyle Shanahan’s complex offensive system.

2019: The Breakout Campaign

The 2019 season remains the statistical peak of Dwelley’s career. When All-Pro tight end George Kittle was sidelined with injuries, Dwelley stepped into a starting role and delivered crucial performances. His most memorable game occurred in Week 11 against the Arizona Cardinals, where he caught 4 passes for 14 yards and 2 touchdowns, becoming a focal point of the red-zone offense.

In 2019, he appeared in all 16 regular-season games, finishing with 11 receptions for 91 yards and 2 scores. His ability to execute "move" tight end blocks and play-action releases made him a favorite of the coaching staff.

2020: Increased Offensive Volume

Following the Super Bowl run in 2019, Dwelley saw his most significant offensive involvement in 2020. He set career highs in multiple categories:

  • Starts: 9
  • Receptions: 19
  • Receiving Yards: 245
  • Yards Per Catch: 12.9

During this season, Dwelley proved he could be more than just a blocker, showing soft hands and the ability to find soft spots in zone coverage. His 36-yard reception during this period highlighted an underrated vertical capability when matched against linebackers.

2021–2023: Transition to Special Teams Ace

As the 49ers added more offensive weapons, Dwelley’s role shifted toward special teams and heavy personnel groupings (12 and 13 personnel). Between 2021 and 2023, he played in 41 games but saw fewer targets. Notably, in 2022, he recorded a career-long 56-yard reception, showcasing his efficiency when given rare opportunities.

Atlanta Falcons Stint (2024)

In 2024, Dwelley signed a one-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons. He played in all 17 games, a testament to his durability. While he only recorded 1 reception for 5 yards, his value was measured in "hidden yardage." He was a core member of the Falcons' special teams, appearing on kick return, kick coverage, and punt units. His veteran presence helped stabilize a young Falcons roster during a transitional year for the franchise.

Year-by-Year NFL Statistical Table

To understand the trajectory of Dwelley's career, it is helpful to view his season-by-season performance side-by-side.

Season Team GP GS Rec Yds Avg TD
2018 SF 11 0 2 14 7.0 0
2019 SF 16 6 11 91 8.3 2
2020 SF 16 9 19 245 12.9 1
2021 SF 17 2 4 51 12.8 1
2022 SF 12 0 3 105 35.0 1
2023 SF 12 0 1 12 12.0 0
2024 ATL 17 0 1 5 5.0 0
2025 DET 11 1 2 7 3.5 0
Total 112 18 47 530 11.3 5

College Career at the University of San Diego

Before entering the NFL, Ross Dwelley was a prolific receiver at the FCS level. His time at the University of San Diego (USD) set the foundation for his professional longevity.

Dwelley appeared in 47 games for the Toreros, finishing his college career as the all-time leader for tight ends in several categories. His final collegiate stats were:

  • Receptions: 197
  • Receiving Yards: 2,305
  • Touchdowns: 26

As a senior in 2017, he led all FCS tight ends with 10 touchdown receptions. This production was even more impressive considering he began his football journey as a quarterback in high school before transitioning to tight end during his senior year. This background gave him a unique understanding of defensive coverages and passing lanes, which helped him compensate for not being the fastest athlete on the field.

Player Profile and Skill Set

Analyzing Ross Dwelley's stats requires looking beyond the box score. His longevity in the NFL is tied to several specific traits:

Versatility as a Blocker

Dwelley is often utilized as a "F-back" or a "wing" tight end. In San Francisco, he was frequently asked to execute "sift" blocks (blocking across the formation) and "lead" blocks in the run game. His technical proficiency in hand placement and leverage allows him to compete against defensive ends and outside linebackers who may be physically larger.

Special Teams Reliability

For a depth player, special teams value is the primary driver of roster security. Dwelley has consistently logged high snap counts on punt and kickoff units. He recorded his first career special teams forced fumble in 2019, a play that highlights his awareness and physicality in the third phase of the game.

Football Intelligence

Graduating with a degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering, Dwelley is often cited by coaches for his ability to learn multiple positions. He has lined up as a traditional inline tight end, a slot receiver, and a fullback. This mental flexibility allows teams to keep fewer active players on game day, as Dwelley can cover multiple roles in the event of an injury.

Physical Profile and Measurables

At 6'5" and approximately 240 lbs, Dwelley possesses the ideal frame for a modern NFL tight end. While his 4.90-second 40-yard dash time during his Pro Day suggested limited breakaway speed, his agility drills (7.10-second three-cone drill) indicated the short-area quickness necessary for effective route running in the short-to-intermediate areas of the field.

  • Height: 6'5"
  • Weight: 240 lbs
  • Arm Length: 31 1/8"
  • Hands: 9 7/8"

What happened to Ross Dwelley in 2025?

Many fans have searched for Dwelley's status following his departure from the Falcons. The 2025 season was a "journeyman" year. After being waived during the final roster cuts by the 49ers in late August, he found a role with the Detroit Lions. He stayed in Detroit for the majority of the season, providing depth behind Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright. His move to the Carolina Panthers' practice squad in late December suggests he is still viewed as a valuable veteran who can contribute to a locker room as a mentor and emergency backup.

Summary

Ross Dwelley’s NFL career is a masterclass in professional persistence. While 47 receptions over eight years may not catch the eye of fantasy football managers, his 112 games played tell the story of a player who coaches trust. From his record-breaking days at the University of San Diego to his multi-touchdown games in San Francisco and his veteran leadership in Atlanta and Detroit, Dwelley has proven that reliability is a skill in its own right. As he moves forward from the 2025 season, his stats remain a testament to his ability to contribute across every facet of the game.

FAQ

What are Ross Dwelley’s career highs in a single game?

Dwelley’s career-high for receptions in a single game is 4, which he achieved twice during the 2019 season (both against the Arizona Cardinals). His career-high for receiving yards in a single game is 29 yards, also against Arizona in 2019.

How many touchdowns does Ross Dwelley have?

Ross Dwelley has 5 career receiving touchdowns in the NFL. Two were scored in 2019, and one each in 2020, 2021, and 2022.

Which college did Ross Dwelley attend?

Ross Dwelley played for the University of San Diego Toreros. He is one of the most successful players to come out of the program, finishing as their all-time leading tight end in receptions and yards.

Did Ross Dwelley ever win a Super Bowl?

While Ross Dwelley was a key contributor to the 2019 San Francisco 49ers team that reached Super Bowl LIV, the team ultimately lost to the Kansas City Chiefs. He has appeared in several postseason games throughout his career with the 49ers.

What position does Ross Dwelley play?

Ross Dwelley is a Tight End (TE). Throughout his career, he has also been utilized as a Fullback (FB) and a core Special Teams player.