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The Atlanta Falcons have signed former San Francisco 49ers tight end Ross Dwelley, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.
“Falcons signed former 49ers tight end Ross Dwelley, who started 17 games during his six seasons in San Francisco,” Schefter posted on X.
Dwelley, 29 years old, didn’t play much during his six seasons with the 49ers, posting 44 receptions for 518 yards and five touchdowns. This was the second 49ers tight end the Falcons signed this offseason as they signed Charlie Woerner to a three-year, $12 million deal earlier in the offseason.
The Falcons needed depth in the tight-end room and added just that by signing Dwelley.
Atlanta Falcons Needs After NFL Draft
The Atlanta Falcons made the surprise decision to draft Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 pick in the draft. That decision led to them still having multiple needs they must address, according to Bleacher Report’s NFL Scouting Department.
“However, by picking Penix, Atlanta passed on a prospect who could help it win in 2024,” Bleacher Report wrote on May 13. “Specifically, the Falcons passed up the opportunity to add an elite edge-rusher, which could have addressed a long-standing position of need.”
Bleacher Report’s NFL Scouting Department gave three ‘realistic targets’ for the Falcons to pursue, listing Calais Campbell, Shaquille Leonard, and Eli Apple.
“Atlanta should continue adding to a defense that ranked 18th in points allowed last season, and it should target players who could be open to a low-value prove-it deal. Linebacker Shaquille Leonard, for example, was released by the Indianapolis Colts in-season and failed to impress after latching on with Philadelphia,” BR wrote. “A return to form would give a big boost to Atlanta’s 20th-ranked run defense.
“Cornerback Eli Apple was merely a role player for the Dolphins in 2023 after spending two seasons as a Cincinnati Bengals starter. He could help replace nine-game starter Jeff Okudah.”
Campbell spent the 2023-24 season with the Falcons, posting 6.5 sacks and 32 solo tackles. The 37-year-old had a productive season for someone his age.
Leonard, still only 28 years old, could be a perfect buy-low option for the Falcons. He’s impressed in previous seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, but struggled with the Philadelphia Eagles when he landed with them in 2023.
Apple, who has played for four different teams since 2019, had one interception and allowed 494 yards on 66 targets last season for the Miami Dolphins.
Falcons Tight End Room Is Full
With the decision to sign Dwelley, the Atlanta Falcons tight end room should be full. The room features Kyle Pitts, Woerner, Dwelley, and John FitzPatrick.
Dwelley will bring them experience as he played in 84 of a possible 99 regular-season games with the San Francisco 49ers, according to Terrin Waack, the Falcons’ digital team reporter.
“Dwelley comes to Atlanta from the San Francisco 49ers, where he joined as an undrafted free agent in 2018. He played in 84 of a possible 99 regular-season games during his six seasons, starting 17,” Waack wrote on May 13. “His best year – 2020 – saw him total 245 yards receiving on 19 receptions, with one touchdown. Last year, he had 12 yards receiving on a single reception.”
