The Houston Texans are still sorting out some aspects of the roster, bringing in, among others, rookie undrafted free agent wide receiver Silas Bolden. Bolden was a high school teammate of C.J. Stroud, the Texans’ franchise quarterback.
Bolden spent four seasons with the Oregon State Beavers (2020-2023) and one with the Texas Longhorns (2024).
He was in training camp with the Minnesota Vikings.
“Bolden, the younger brother of former NFL wide receiver Victor Bolden, signed with the Vikings as an undrafted rookie in the spring,” KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson wrote on September 1. “Bolden, 23, is one of Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud’s best friends. They grew up together in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., playing basketball and youth football together and then as teammates in high school.”
Victor Bolden had a brief stint with the Texans in August 2023. Silas Bolden, the Longhorns’ starting kick returner, logged 103 receptions for 1,343 yards and 10 touchdowns in his five seasons, including his Beavers tenure.
He could operate in a similar capacity for the Texans.
C.J. Stroud ‘Stat to Know’ Threatened by ‘Biggest Weakness’
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans looks on against the Carolina Panthers.
ESPN’s DJ Bien-Aime picked the Texans’ pass rush led by defensive ends Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson as their “biggest strength.” But the Texans will go so far as Stroud takes them, and that is where their “biggest weakness” presents a potential issue.
“Most of the starters on the offensive line have struggled throughout their career, or at least recently,” Bien-Aime wrote on August 31. “Tackle Aireontae Ersery looked promising in camp, though he is a rookie, and T Tytus Howard is proven. But outside of them, the starters could be a few guys who have been castoffs. So how will that come together in a pivotal Year 3 for coach DeMeco Ryans?”
Along with that, ESPN’s research department noted “Stroud was sacked 52 times last season, second most in the league and fourth most in franchise history” as a “stat to know.”
The Texans have lofty goals for the 2025 season.
They return all of their key playmakers, added some new ones, and still boast one of the most well-regarded head coaches. None of that will matter if they cannot protect Stroud or if he fails to deliver as expected.
C.J. Stroud’s Ex-Teammate Part of Texans’ Roster Shakeup
GettyD’Angelo Ross #37 of the Houston Texans returns a blocked extra point attempt against the Los Angeles Chargers during the AFC Wild Card Playoffs.
Bolden was part of a swath of additions for the Texans on Monday, none of which involved Stroud, who dealt with shoulder soreness this offseason.
The Texans also re-signed special teams ace D’Angelo Ross. He was part of the team’s efforts to get into compliance with league rules regarding the 53-man roster at the end of training camp in August.
Ross is entering his third season with the Texans.
He has appeared in 23 games with two starts, logging the bulk of his snaps on special teams, though he did log a 29% snaps share on defense in 2024, per Pro Football Reference.
The Texans do not need to lean on Ross in the secondary, where they have 2024 First Team All-Pro Derek Stingley Jr. bookending promising youngster Kamari Lassiter at cornerback, and C.J. Gardner-Johnson joining Calen Bullock at safety.
Jalen Pitre, a safety by trade, is back to man the nickelback spot after an injury-marred third NFL season in 2024 to bolster the Texans’ defense and back Stroud.
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