Just One Hour After Being Released by the Lions, the “Silent Cornerstone” Who Helped Lead the 49ers to Two Super Bowls Expresses Desire to Join the Buccaneers — Willing to Give Up Bigger Deals to Help Tampa Bay Fuel a Playoff Run

Tampa, Florida – December 10, 2025

The NFL was stunned Wednesday afternoon when the Detroit Lions unexpectedly released veteran tight end Ross Dwelley — a durable, versatile, and quietly indispensable presence during the San Francisco 49ers’ runs to Super Bowl LIV and Super Bowl LVIII. But the real shock came just one hour later: Dwelley publicly expressed his desire to join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and even stated he would turn down larger contract offers if it meant helping the Bucs fight their way back into playoff contention.

Dwelley has never been the type of player whose numbers dominate graphics on national broadcasts, but to coaches, he’s a rare asset — a trustworthy blocker, a high-IQ tight end, a Swiss-army-knife who can line up at TE, FB, or H-back, and a relentless special-teams contributor who does all the dirty work that rarely shows up on highlight reels. His best season came in 2020 when injuries ripped through the 49ers’ depth chart, and Dwelley stepped in with calm reliability, delivering key catches, steady blocking, and the quiet professionalism that teams crave.

Even in Detroit this season — amidst a tight end room decimated by injuries — Dwelley still appeared in 11 games, taking snaps wherever the Lions needed him: blocking, pass protection, special teams, short-yardage situations. But with Detroit’s secondary depleted and roster space needed for a defensive signing, he became one more casualty in the league’s ruthless numbers game.

And now he wants Tampa Bay — not for money, but for purpose.

As the Buccaneers prepare for a pivotal Thursday Night Football matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, Dwelley made his intentions clear in a statement that circulated quickly across league circles.
“I’ve been through the toughest roads this league has to offer to reach a Super Bowl — I understand that journey better than any stat line ever could,” Dwelley said shortly after his release. “If Tampa Bay 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.”

That mentality is exactly what head coach Todd Bowles values, especially as the Buccaneers fight to keep their postseason hopes alive. After scoring just 15.6 points per game over their last three contests, Tampa Bay desperately needs help stabilizing its offense. A player like Dwelley — someone who can block, contribute on special teams, and execute multiple roles seamlessly — could provide immediate structure and dependability.

Internally, interest in Dwelley has grown rapidly. Sources say the Buccaneers are seriously evaluating the possibility of signing him, potentially before or immediately after their TNF showdown with Atlanta. Under Bowles, Tampa Bay has consistently prioritized smart, multi-positional veterans with playoff experience — the exact mold Dwelley fits.

And more importantly, Dwelley brings something Tampa Bay has lacked throughout the season: a steady presence capable of making the small, crucial plays that win games in December and January.

One hour after leaving Detroit, Ross Dwelley made something abundantly clear: his NFL story isn’t finished. And Tampa Bay — standing on the edge of a make-or-break stretch — may be the place where the next, and perhaps most dramatic, chapter unfolds.

Heading into a must-win battle against the Falcons, the Buccaneers now have a chance to add a player who won’t demand the spotlight — but could absolutely help shape the games that will define their season.