As the 49ers gear up for their Divisional Round clash, they’ve made a pair of strategic elevations to the active roster: defensive tackle Sebastian Valdez and veteran offensive tackle Brandon Parker.
Let’s start with Parker, a name that might ring a bell for fans who’ve followed the trenches in recent seasons. At 30 years old, Parker brings experience and a winding NFL journey that’s taken him from a third-round pick in 2018 to multiple stops across the league. Originally drafted by the Raiders, he spent the bulk of his early career in silver and black, playing out his rookie deal before re-signing on back-to-back one-year contracts.
His 2022 deal was worth $3.5 million - a sign that Vegas still saw value in his ability to provide depth and starting potential. But the following year, Parker’s path took a few turns.
After being released at the end of the 2023 preseason, he landed on the Raiders’ practice squad before eventually making his way to San Francisco. The Niners brought him in after final roster cuts, but released him shortly after.
Then came a brief stint with the Falcons, where he didn’t see game action, before returning to the 49ers' practice squad.
Despite all the movement, Parker still managed to suit up in five games for the Raiders in 2023, including one start. That kind of midseason plug-and-play experience can be valuable in January, especially for a team making a deep postseason push.
With Trent Williams anchoring the left side, the Niners are looking for reliable insurance - someone who knows the league, understands the pressure of the moment, and can step in if needed. Parker checks those boxes.
As for Sebastian Valdez, the rookie defensive tackle has been quietly developing on the practice squad. While he hasn’t logged regular-season snaps yet, his elevation signals that the 49ers want to keep their defensive line rotation fresh and versatile. In a playoff setting where every snap counts and the trenches often decide the outcome, having another interior body ready to go could prove crucial - especially against teams that like to lean on the run game or test depth with tempo.
Both moves reflect a classic postseason mindset: bolster the depth chart, prepare for the unexpected, and make sure the roster is as playoff-ready as possible. The 49ers are stacking every piece they can for a deep run - and Valdez and Parker are the latest chess pieces moved into position.