Undrafted free agent wide receiver Silas Bolden is headed back to Texas.
On Monday, the Houston Texans signed Bolden, who spent the 2024 season with the Texas Longhorns, to their practice squad, per KPRC NFL reporter Aaron Wilson.
#Texans are signing former Texas WR/PR Silas Bolden to the practice squad per a source
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 1, 2025
Bolden Could Be An Option On Special Teams For Texans
The 2025 pro prospect wasn't selected in the 2025 NFL Draft and signed with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent shortly after the conclusion of the three-day event on Apr. 26.
Bolden appeared in all three games for the Vikings this preseason. While he played an insignificant role on offense, where he had just one reception for three yards, Bolden had more opportunities on special teams.
Per Pro Football Focus data, Bolden gained 84 yards on four returns, including 76 on three kickoffs (29.3 yards per return). The Vikings passed on him for their starting kick returner for rookie third-rounder Tai Felton, who averaged 19 yards per kick return during the preseason, following last Tuesday's roster cut deadline..
The diminutive 5-foot-8 Bolden began his collegiate career at Oregon State, where he played from 2020-23. He led the Pac-12 in kick return yards (599) and kick return average (27.2 yards per game) in 2022.
Bolden transferred to Texas ahead of the 2024 season, and he appeared in all 16 games as the program reached the College Football Playoff semifinals, leading the SEC in punt returns (30) and punt return yards (315).
During the quarterfinals, Bolden scored a 75-yard punt return touchdown in a 39-31 double-overtime win over Arizona State.
SILAS BOLDEN RUNS IT BACK FOR SIX pic.twitter.com/QbDGBxJlmM
— Mr Matthew CFB (@MrMatthew_CFB) January 1, 2025
Bolden's dynamic return potential could eventually lead to him being elevated to the active roster. The Texans signed wide receiver Braxton Berrios, a 2021 first-team All-Pro as a return specialist, to a one-year free-agent deal this offseason.
He's coming off a torn ACL suffered last October. Berrios averaged 22.5 yards per kick return and eight yards per punt return during the preseason.
If Berrios struggles to regain his All-Pro form, Houston might need to put someone else on return duty. Bolden gives the Texans a valuable insurance policy.