Victor Bolden Jr., a former Detroit Lion and current Birmingham Stallion, is the USFL’s all-purpose yards leader with 836 at the midpoint of the season.
The Detroit Lions have notably added to their wide receiver group this offseason (DJ Chark, Jameson Williams), and they also re-signed Josh Reynolds and Kalif Raymond.
Victor Bolden Jr., currently in the USFL with the Birmingham Stallions, could help alleviate any concerns about punt or kickoff returns as well as supply a strong backup to Amon-Ra St. Brown in the slot.
Bolden signed as an undrafted free agent with the San Francisco 49ers in 2017 after a productive career at Oregon State. Because Bolden Jr. wore uniform number “6” for the Beavers, Bolden was nicknamed “Quick 6” for his ability to turn punt and kickoff returns into big plays and touchdowns.
The Birmingham Stallions thought enough of Bolden to make him the first wide receiver selected in the 2022 USFL Draft. He has justified the selection. He leads the league in kickoff (440) and punt return (137) yardage, while catching a league-leading 29 passes for 259 yards (fourth in the league) and one touchdown.
Birmingham (5-0) is the only undefeated team in the USFL, and some of the credit should go to Bolden Jr. He is (obviously) the Stallions’ leading receiver and principal punt/kickoff returner. The 27-year-old wideout could be a valuable addition to the Lions receiving corps.
Should the Lions pursue Victor Bolden Jr.?
Golden Jr. was on the Lions practice squad in 2019, 2020 and 2021, and each year was cut by the team. His weakness appeared to be that he had the “dropsies” with passes in practice and preseason games. Apparently that issue is no longer an issue, as the Stallions continue to utilize Bolden as their principal pass catcher and he has been productive.
The rejuvenated receiver is playing pretty well. Maybe the Lions should invite him to try out for the team after the USFL Championship Game in early July (the Stallions may be in it the way things are going). Timing may work against that idea though, with Lions’ minicamp in June.
The 5-0 Stallions and Bolden play the 1-4 Michigan Panthers in Week 6 of the USFL season at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, May 21. The game will be broadcast on NBC.