Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – December 10, 2025
The NFL was rocked on Thursday when the Detroit Lions abruptly released Ross Dwelley, the veteran tight end widely respected for his versatility and dependability, and a quiet cornerstone 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 delivered a stunning message: he wants to join the Pittsburgh Steelers — and is willing to sacrifice major contract offers to help the franchise push toward another Super Bowl run.
Dwelley’s résumé may not boast gaudy receiving numbers, but his value has always been defined by consistency and adaptability. Over his career, he contributed in every phase of the offense: as a blocker, a reliable short-yardage receiver, a red-zone option, and a key special-teams asset. His most notable season came in 2020, when injuries to 49ers starters thrust him into a larger role and he delivered career highs in receptions and touchdowns, showcasing the poise and football IQ that endeared him to coaches across the league.
Lions May Have a TE Plan Despite Ross Dwelley’s Surprise Release
The veteran TE’s willingness to take on multiple responsibilities, combined with his reputation as one of the smartest and most durable rotational players in the conference, makes him an ideal fit for a system like Pittsburgh’s — one defined by physicality, discipline, and a multi-layered offensive structure.
Shortly after clearing waivers, Dwelley spoke openly about his future and his desire to bring championship experience to a roster he believes is still capable of making noise in the AFC playoff race.
“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. “If Pittsburgh needs someone willing to sacrifice a contract, a role or even the spotlight to help them return to where they belong, I’ll do it without hesitation.”
Inside Steelers headquarters, the reaction has reportedly been immediate. Under head coach Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh has consistently prioritized acquiring smart, assignment-sound veterans capable of elevating the entire unit. Dwelley checks every box: TE, FB, H-back, special teams, and trusted blocker — the type of multi-usage player the Steelers value deeply.
His arrival would also provide much-needed depth and leadership to a tight end room battling injuries throughout the season, while giving Pittsburgh a proven Super Bowl presence capable of stabilizing high-leverage downs.
If the Steelers pursue Dwelley — and momentum suggests they will at least explore the opportunity — it could become one of the most impactful “low-risk, massive-upside” additions in their late-season personnel strategy.
One hour after being released, Ross Dwelley made one thing clear: his story is far from finished — and Pittsburgh may be the place where the next, most dramatic chapter begins.
