A former Montana State standout and All-Big Sky performer who fought through final roster cuts to stick with San Francisco's defensive line.
Sebastian Valdez is an undrafted defensive tackle who transferred from Montana State to Washington for his final college season before signing with the 49ers in 2025. The San Diego-area native was waived in final cuts but earned his way back onto San Francisco's practice squad before locking in a futures deal.
Path to the league
Valdez starred at the FCS level for Montana State from 2021 to 2023, highlighted by a 2022 season with 44 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks that earned him first and second-team All-Big Sky honors. He transferred to Washington for the 2024 season, starting all 13 games and recording 49 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and two sacks before going undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Career highlights
Across three seasons at Montana State, Valdez was a consistent disruptor in the backfield, twice earning All-Big Sky recognition. His jump to Power Four competition at Washington in 2024 showed he could hold up against tougher competition, starting every game on the defensive line.
2025 season recap
Valdez signed with the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent on April 26, 2025. He was waived during final roster cuts on August 26 but was re-signed to the practice squad the next day, and he signed a reserve/futures contract with the 49ers on January 20, 2026.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Sebastian Valdez
- 49ers.com: Sebastian Valdez
Player Profile
Background
- Position
- Defensive Tackle
- Group
- defense
- College
- Washington
- Hometown
- Spring Valley, CA, USA
- Age
- 24
- Status
- active
