Just 3 Hours After Being Cut by the Lions, the “Cornerstone” Who Took the 49ers to Two Super Bowls Reveals Desire to Join the Saints – Willing to Walk Away From Big Contracts to Lead New Orleans Back to Super Bowl Glory

New Orleans, Louisiana – December 10, 2025

The NFL shook on Thursday afternoon when the Detroit Lions unexpectedly released Ross Dwelley, the “silent cornerstone” who helped guide the San Francisco 49ers to two Super Bowl appearances (LIV and LVIII). But the second shock came just three hours later, when Dwelley publicly expressed his desire to join the New Orleans Saints, a franchise fighting to revive its championship identity after years of regression.

Dwelley, a versatile tight end capable of lining up at TE, FB, and on special teams, has long been valued as a tactical glue piece in every offense he has joined. In San Francisco, he earned a reputation for consistency, discipline, and the ability to step in seamlessly whenever injuries hit the starting lineup. He never needed the spotlight — yet his impact was impossible to ignore.

What stunned analysts even more was Dwelley’s admission that he is willing to walk away from larger contract offers simply for the chance to play for the Saints — a team he believes still has a real Super Bowl window if the right pieces are added.

In an evening interview, Dwelley shared:

“I know what it takes to reach a Super Bowl — that journey isn’t built for teams lacking toughness,” Dwelley said. “If New Orleans wants someone willing to sacrifice a contract, a role, or the spotlight to help them get back to where they once stood, I’ll be ready from Day One.”

Inside the Saints organization, his statement immediately drew attention from both the front office and the locker room. With New Orleans lacking a do-it-all tight end who can support the quarterback, bolster the run game, and expand the playbook, Dwelley is viewed as a near-perfect fit. Head coach Dennis Allen has repeatedly stressed the need for a smart, durable, Super Bowl-tested veteran to anchor a young roster.

Dwelley’s versatility also brings significant strategic value: he can line up as a traditional tight end, function as an H-back, support blocking assignments, or serve as a reliable short-yardage target — all traits the Saints have been missing this season.

If New Orleans seriously pursues him, this could become the type of “low cost – high impact” signing the Saints desperately need to restart their climb.

Three hours after being released, Ross Dwelley sent a clear message: he’s far from finished — and New Orleans may be the place where his next Super Bowl chapter begins.