In a move that’s sending shockwaves through the NFL landscape, the San Francisco 49ers have quietly bolstered their practice squad with a player who could be the hidden gem of their roster. Late Wednesday morning, the Niners signed cornerback Isaiah Bolden, a seventh-round draft pick from the 2023 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. While practice squad additions often fly under the radar, Bolden’s raw athleticism and untapped potential make this signing one of the most intriguing developments in Santa Clara this season.
The 49ers have been active in tweaking their practice squad lately, especially after opening the practice window for quarterback Kurtis Rourke and releasing Adrian Martinez, who promptly rejoined the New York Jets. With kicker Eddy Pineiro back in action—eliminating the need for Matt Gay—and wide receiver Javon Baker already filling one spot, the team had room to add depth in the secondary. Enter Bolden, a 6’2″, 205-pound specimen whose athletic profile reads like a superhero’s scouting report.
Drafted 245th overall by the Patriots out of Jackson State (after initially committing to and playing for Florida State), Bolden has seen limited but promising NFL action. In 14 games during his rookie year, he notched nine tackles, including one for loss. This season, on 79 passing downs, he was targeted just seven times, allowing only three receptions for a measly 23 yards. That’s lockdown potential in a small sample size. However, his time in New England came to an end when he was released on August 22 following training camp.
What truly sets Bolden apart—and why he’s generating buzz as the 49ers’ most fascinating practice squad piece—is his elite athleticism. At Jackson State’s Pro Day on March 30, 2023, he blazed a 4.31-second 40-yard dash, exploded for a 38-inch vertical jump, and leaped an impressive 10-foot-9-inch broad jump. These numbers aren’t just good; they’re elite, even by NFL standards. In a league where speed and explosiveness can turn special teams units into game-changers, Bolden could quickly become a weapon on kick and punt returns, or even evolve into a rotational cornerback if he hones his skills under San Francisco’s defensive coordinator.
For the 49ers, who are always on the hunt for developmental talent to complement their star-studded roster, Bolden represents low-risk, high-reward upside. Head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch have a knack for turning overlooked players into contributors—think of the success stories like Jauan Jennings or Deommodore Lenoir. If Bolden can translate his freakish athletic gifts into consistent on-field production, this could be the steal of the offseason. At the very least, he adds much-needed depth to a secondary that’s faced its share of injuries and inconsistencies.
The signing also underscores the Niners’ ongoing roster fluidity. With recent additions and subtractions, the practice squad is shaping up as a breeding ground for future impact players. Here’s the updated full list of the 49ers’ practice squad:
- WR: Javon Baker, Junior Bergen, Malik Turner
- TE: Brayden Willis
- OL: Isaac Alarcón, Drake Nugent, Brandon Parker, Nick Zakelj
- DL: Evan Anderson, William Bradley-King, Sebastian Valdez
- LB: Andrew Farmer II, Jalen Graham, Eric Kendricks
- DB: Eli Apple, Isaiah Bolden, Derrick Canteen
As the 49ers push through the remainder of the 2025 season, keep an eye on Bolden. This “bombshell” addition might just explode into something special, proving once again why San Francisco’s front office is among the shrewdest in the league. Stay tuned—Santa Clara’s next breakout star could be practicing in the shadows right now.