Explosive athlete Isaiah Bolden joins the 49ers practice squad, bringing speed and physicality to bolster secondary and special teams depth.
The San Francisco 49ers continued to fine-tune their roster this week, reinforcing their secondary with the signing of another former New England Patriot, cornerback Isaiah Bolden, to the practice squad. The move fills the final open spot on the unit after a series of roster adjustments across multiple position groups.
Bolden, a seventh-round pick by New England in 2023, brings intrigue despite limited NFL experience. He appeared in 14 games with the Patriots, recording nine tackles and one tackle for loss. He was targeted only seven times on 79 passing downs in 2024, allowing just three receptions for 23 yards. While that sample size is small, the efficiency suggests a defender who held his own when called upon.
The 25 year old’s appeal is tied heavily to his athletic ability. Standing 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds, Bolden fits the mold of the long, physical corners defensive coordinator Robert Sahel favors and needs in his scheme. His testing numbers were standout-level. Bolden clocked a 4.31-second 40-yard dash, paired with a 38-inch vertical and 10-foot-9 broad jump, all posted at Jackson State’s Pro Day in 2023. Those measurables make him one of the more explosive athletes currently on the 49ers’ developmental roster.
Bolden’s college journey also adds layers to his profile. He initially began his career at Florida State before transferring to Jackson State, where he blossomed as a return specialist and defensive playmaker. That background is part of why San Francisco sees him as an immediate candidate to contribute on special teams, an area where the team has consistently emphasized speed and physicality.
His signing comes amid several recent moves by the 49ers. With kicker Eddy Pineiro returning to practice, temporary fill-in Matt Gay was no longer needed. Wide receiver Javon Baker claimed one of the open practice squad spots earlier in the week, and Bolden now fills the last remaining vacancy. The team also opened the practice window for rookie quarterback Kurtis Rourke, resulting in the departure of Adrian Martinez, who was re-signed by the Jets.
Bolden joins a practice squad group that includes veterans like Eli Apple, rising depth players such as Derrick Canteen, and a mix of young talent across all positions. While the expectation is for Bolden to sharpen his skillset behind the scenes, his elite athletic profile gives San Francisco a developmental swing worth taking, especially late in the season when depth can become a defining factor.
If Bolden can translate his pro day numbers and special teams promise into consistent production, he could become yet another under-the-radar addition who pays dividends in the 49ers’ long-term roster movements.