One of the bright spots on the San Francisco 49ers' defensive front this season has been second-year undrafted defensive tackle Sebastian Valdez. Last season as a rookie he nearly left the team.
According to a report from NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maiocco, the Pittsburgh Steelers made an offer to Valdez late last season to leave the 49ers' practice squad and join the Steelers' active roster.
“I believe in this team,” Valdez said to Maiocco. “I believe in the system that we have. I believe in everything (the 49ers) strive for. And I know the grass isn't always greener on the other side. So, yeah, I made the decision to stay.”
The 49ers last season elevated Valdez to their roster twice after signing him as an undrafted free agent out of the University
of Washington, although he didn't make his NFL debut until Week 3 this season.
This year injuries have taken over San Francisco's defensive front and opened the door for Valdez to not only get elevated from the practice squad, but to earn a promotion to the active roster. He made a quick impact.
In three games he has three quarterback pressures and in Week 5 vs. the Seattle Seahawks he notched his first career sack. Pro Football Focus has also credited Valdez with six run stops.
San Francisco has had a lot of luck with late-round picks and undrafted players during head coach Kyle Shanahan's tenure with the club and it looks like Valdez is en route to becoming another undrafted success story. It was a story that nearly didn't happen, but Valdez's belief in himself and the 49ers is paying off for both parties in San Francisco's undefeated start to the 2026 season.
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This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers DT turned down offer to join Steelers roster as rookie
