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Why One 49ers Defensive Prospect Turned Down an Offer From the Steelers Last Year
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- Why One 49ers Defensive Prospect Turned Down an Offer From the Steelers Last Year
In the NFL, it isn't enough for a team to have talent. To win and become a Super Bowl contender, teams need the right system, leadership, identity and culture.
The San Francisco 49ers fit that definition. Head coach Kyle Shanahan has built a strong culture and identity for the franchise over his nine seasons as head coach, and it has made the team a consistent contender, at least when it has been healthy enough.
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Last year, defensive tackle Sebastian Valdez, who was then a rookie, didn't play a single snap during the regular season, as he was mostly a practice squad player. At one point in 2025, he had the opportunity to leave and join the Pittsburgh Steelers' 53-man active roster.
It must've seemed like an attractive opportunity for the undrafted player out of the University of Washington. It would've not only meant a bigger salary, but also an opportunity to actually play and prove his worth.
Why Valdez remained put
But per Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports , Valdez said no to the Steelers because he believes in what San Francisco has in place.
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"I believe in this team," Valdez told NBC Sports Bay Area. "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."
This year, several injuries to defensive linemen have opened up opportunities for Valdez to be elevated to the active roster and actually play. He has appeared in three games and registered eight total tackles (four solo), two quarterback hits, one tackle for loss and one sack.
He is starting to show promise as a contributor to arguably the best team in the NFL, and it has happened because he turned down that temptation last year to leave the Niners and join a merely decent team in the Steelers.
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Shanahan said that Valdez is a player he expects "to see getting better and better as this year goes."
"For sure, I was like, 'OK, what would've happened if I did go?'" Valdez said. "But I don't like to think like that. I don't like to think about regret. I think everything I do is a lesson, and I learn from it. But I'm so, so excited and I'm so happy I stayed.
"It's a dream come true. It's super exciting, and I'm super, super pumped up to get ready every week."
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For a team such as the Niners that has an aging core, players such as Valdez, who not only have potential but want to stay and be a part of their system and culture, are much appreciated.
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This story was originally published by Athlon on Oct 19, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
