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49ers Waive TE Ross Dwelley, Sign Former Practice-Squad Defensive Lineman to a One-Year Deal

SANTA CLARA, CA — August 2025 — The San Francisco 49ers announced they have waived tight end Ross Dwelley and signed former 49ers practice-squad defensive lineman Shakel Brown to a one-year contract. Terms were not disclosed.

Brown (6-3, 295) spent time on the 49ers’ practice squad in 2024 before moving on. At Troy, he showcased a sturdy frame and heavy hands, projecting as a rotational interior DL/5-tech fit in San Francisco’s defensive scheme.

The move adds interior depth as the 49ers enter the roster-cut phase of the preseason. Parting with Dwelley also opens snaps for reserve tight ends to compete behind cornerstone George Kittle.

Shakel Brown:
I was surprised to get the call from President Ahmad Getting another shot to wear the red and gold is something I’ve always wanted. I’m going to seize this opportunity and prove I belong here.

Following his remarks, Brown dove into a packed schedule: tightening up hand usage, leverage, and his bull-rush in position groups while quickly absorbing the 3-tech/4i interior packages the 49ers expect to lean on to generate middle pressure. Slotted as a rotational interior piece, he’ll need to prove gap integrity and win quickly in 1-on-1 situations to lock down a spot in the rotation.

From an organizational standpoint, the move signals a priority on interior depth during preseason evaluation. The coaching staff views Brown as a potential immediate contributor on passing downs and in goal-line packages; the rest depends on turning this “second chance” into a string of quality reps—steady, disciplined, and aligned with the red and gold culture.

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Buffalo Bills Become First NFL Team to Launch 3-Year Support Program for Released Players
Buffalo, NY – October 5, 2025 In a groundbreaking move that could reshape how the NFL cares for its athletes, the Buffalo Bills have officially launched the league’s first-ever support program dedicated to players who have been released or are no longer able to continue their football careers. The initiative, announced on Saturday, aims to provide career transition guidance, monthly financial support, and mental health counseling for young players leaving the Bills’ academy system or those cut from the main roster. The program will run for three years, giving participants a stable foundation as they begin new lives beyond football. According to team sources, the monthly allowance will cover basic living costs and educational expenses, ensuring that players can focus on retraining and personal growth instead of financial struggle. A Bills spokesperson said the decision reflects the organization’s long-term commitment to human development, not just athletic success. “Football ends for everyone at some point — but life doesn’t. This program is our promise that every player who wore a Bills uniform will never walk alone.” NFL analysts have called the Bills’ move “a model of compassion and leadership”, noting that it sets a precedent other teams will be pressured to follow. The program also includes workshops on financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and career coaching, helping former players reintegrate into society with purpose and stability. For a franchise known for its heart and community values, this initiative marks another powerful statement. The Buffalo Bills aren’t just building champions on the field — they’re shaping lives beyond it.