San Francisco 49ers fans aren't going to like this one.
Granted, undrafted rookies who turn heads during training camp and in the preseason always garner plenty of positive attention. We're drawn to the underdog, someone who faced long odds and seemingly figured out a way to come out on top.
So, regarding former Washington defensive end Sebastian Valdez, whom the Niners signed immediately after the 2025 NFL Draft, it would have been a storybook ending if he made the opening 53-man roster after boasting an impressive camp and exhibition campaign.
Heck, pretty much all signs pointed in that direction.
Well, unfortunately, storybook endings tend to be rare, and Valdez isn't going to be part of San Francisco's inaugural regular-season roster. According to the San Jose Mercury News' Cam Inman, Valdez is getting waived:
To quote Inman, "bummer."
Bummer:
— Cam Inman (@CamInman) August 26, 2025
49ers waived undrafted DT Sebastian Valdez, per source
There are probably more than a handful of 49ers fans who feel a bit more extreme about Valdez not making the 53-man cut, particularly after tallying six tackles and half a sack while regularly getting into opponents' pockets.
If there's any solace, Valdez could still clear waivers and end up being signed to the Niners practice squad, although that wouldn't necessarily prevent him from being inked to another team's 53-man roster at any point later in the year. And, again, he'd have to clear waivers first.
Based on his impressive preseason outings, that might be difficult.
49ers make other (somewhat) surprising roster cuts
There are always going to be a few "wow" cuts, releases and waived players, and 2025 is no different.
In addition to Valdez's departure, San Francisco released linebacker Chazz Surratt, one of coordinator Robert Saleh's hand-picked offseason additions, while fellow backers Jalen Graham and Stone Blanton were also waived. Longtime linebacker Curtis Robinson, a perennial practice squad member, was also reportedly released.
Cornerback Dallis Flowers, whose experience was on full display during the preseason, is also gone. And so is the son of Hall of Fame legend Terrell Owens, wide receiver Terique Owens, although the second-year pass catcher might be a prime candidate for practice squad duties.
San Francisco also reportedly waived rookie wide receiver and return specialist Junior Bergen, the seventh-round draftee who didn't get too many opportunities to flash his explosiveness on special teams.
Of course, the original 53-man roster will continuously undergo plenty of changes, even between now and Week 1, as other players become available and additional transactions are executed.
So, maybe, fans will be able to welcome back cuts like Valdez, Owens and others in one capacity or another in the relatively near future.