49ers Sign Veteran Tight End After Announcing George Kittle Contract

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49ers Sign Veteran Tight End After Announcing George Kittle Contract

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated May 2, 2025 4:04 PM ET

The San Francisco 49ers have been quite busy this week.

Shortly after the 2025 NFL Draft came to an end, the 49ers signed All-Pro tight end George Kittle to a four-year, $76.4 million extension. According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, teams called the 49ers to see if they'd be willing to trade Kittle.

One team reportedly offered San Francisco a second-round pick in exchange for Kittle. That wasn't good enough to make the 49ers part ways with the heart and soul of their offense.

Kittle is coming off a 2024 season where he had 78 receptions for 1,106 yards and eight touchdowns. While he's expected to be the top option in the passing game for the 49ers this fall, he won't have to do everything for his position group.

On Friday afternoon, the 49ers signed veteran tight end Ross Dwelley to a one-year deal. He played in the Bay Area from 2018-2023.

"Ross is a very dependable guy who has as good of hands as anyone on our team," 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said in 2021. "The more roles he gets thrown in, the more he'll surprise you and the better he gets."

During his initial stint with the 49ers, Dwelley had 44 receptions for 518 yards and five touchdowns. They lost him to the Atlanta Falcons last offseason. Unfortunately for the veteran from El Dorado Hills, he only had one reception for five yards this past season.

Perhaps the 49ers will utilize Dwelley more in the passing game this season.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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