Just 1 Hour After Being Cut by the Lions, the “Cornerstone” Who Helped Take the 49ers to Two Super Bowls Reveals Desire to Join the Broncos – Ready to Give Up Big-Money Offers Just to Help Denver Chase Another Lombardi Trophy

Denver, Colorado – December 10, 2025

The NFL was stunned on Thursday when the Detroit Lions abruptly released Ross Dwelley, the veteran tight end widely respected for his versatility, durability, and his quiet-but-crucial role in the San Francisco 49ers’ journeys to Super Bowl LIV and Super Bowl LVIII. And within just one hour of the move becoming public, Dwelley sent shockwaves through the league: he wants to join the Denver Broncos — and is willing to turn down larger contract offers if it means helping Denver return to the mountaintop.

Dwelley has never been known for flashy production. Instead, his value comes from consistency, intelligence, and the ability to contribute in every phase of an offense: blocking, short-yardage receiving, red-zone execution, and high-level special teams work. His strongest stretch came in 2020, when injuries forced him into a bigger role in San Francisco and he delivered with poise, reliability, and top-tier system knowledge.

That versatility — TE, FB, H-back, special teams — makes Dwelley an ideal fit for Denver’s offense under head coach Sean Payton. The Broncos have leaned heavily on multi-usage personnel packages, motion, deception, and heavy formations — areas where the tight end position has faced depth and reliability issues this season. Dwelley checks every box Denver has been looking for.

Shortly after clearing waivers, Dwelley spoke publicly about his future and why Denver stands out as the place he wants to be:

“I’ve been through the toughest roads this league can offer on the way to a Super Bowl — I understand that journey better than any stat line ever could. If Denver needs someone willing to sacrifice a contract, a role or even the spotlight to help them get back to where they belong, I’ll do it without hesitation.”

Inside the Broncos’ facility, the reaction has reportedly been immediate. Payton and GM George Paton have both emphasized adding smart, disciplined veterans with championship experience — players who elevate the locker room as much as they elevate the field. Dwelley fits that philosophy perfectly.

His arrival would also bring a steadying presence to a young tight end room while giving Denver a proven blocker and situational weapon for critical downs, red-zone packages, and condensed formations — areas that have lacked stability throughout the season.

If the Broncos pursue Dwelley — and momentum within league circles suggests they might — this could become one of the offseason’s most impactful “low-risk, high-upside” moves.

Just one hour after being released, Ross Dwelley made one thing unmistakably clear:
his NFL journey isn’t finished — and Denver may be the place where its most meaningful chapter begins.