Vikings Sign Safety Bubba Bolden as Free Agency Opens

EAGAN, Minn. — The Minnesota Vikings have bolstered their defensive secondary with the signing of safety Bubba Bolden, announced Monday as part of the NFL’s free agency period. The 25-year-old signed after participating in the team’s rookie minicamp last May on a pro tryout basis.

Bolden, who entered the league in 2022 as an undrafted free agent from the University of Miami, joins the Vikings after previous stints with the Seattle Seahawks and the Cleveland Browns practice squad. He has yet to make an appearance in a regular-season NFL game.

While at Miami, Bolden played in 23 games with 17 starts, recording 127 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, five forced fumbles, eight passes defensed, and two interceptions over three seasons (2019-21). His college career also began at the University of Southern California in 2017, where he teamed up with Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor at Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas.

Bolden stood out in high school, earning recognition as a 2016 Parade All-American First Team member and being named USA Today’s All-Nevada Defensive Player of the Year. During that standout senior season, he tallied 27 tackles, five tackles for loss, a sack, seven interceptions (including a touchdown return), a fumble recovery for a touchdown, and a blocked field goal, contributing significantly to Bishop Gorman’s eighth consecutive state championship.

Despite being perceived as a “camp-body,” Bolden aims to compete for a roster spot this offseason. The Vikings have a proven record of success with similar players, as evidenced by their acquisition of defensive tackle Jalen Redmond last year.

With the NFL negotiating window for free agents officially opening at 11 a.m. CT on March 10, the signing of Bolden is not only a move to reinforce the safety position but also suggests that the Vikings are in pursuit of strengthening their defense. More significant changes in the roster may be on the horizon as teams evaluate their needs and player performances in the coming days.