The Houston Texans are set to bolster their secondary by adding a former Las Vegas Raider first-round pick.
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Cornerback Damon Arnette is expected to land with Houston after spending last season with the UFL’s Houston Roughnecks. After three years away from the NFL, he now gets another chance at playing at the NFL level.
NFL comeback story: #Texans are expected to sign former #Raiders first-round CB Damon Arnette, per source, who now returns to the NFL for the first time since 2022.Arnette just finished playing with the UFL’s Houston Roughnecks, recording 18 tackles, a sack, and a pick-six.… pic.twitter.com/TPWXyfQket
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) June 18, 2025
Arnette secured 18 tackles, a sack, and a pick-six during his time with the Roughnecks. The good news is he remains in the Houston area.
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Arnette was signed by the Raiders No. 19 overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, after playing four seasons with Ohio State.
As a member of the Buckeyes, Arnette secured 140 tackles, four tackles for loss, five interceptions, 22 passes defended, and one defensive touchdown.
Arnette’s rookie season in the NFL was rife with injuries, as a thumb injury led to him only appearing in nine games, seven of which he started. He ended the 2020 season with 25 total tackles, one tackle for loss, and two passes defended.
The 2022 season was similar in nature for Arnette, as he was once again placed on injured reserve due to a groin injury. He would also get into trouble due to a video being released online that showcased him with a firearm, which led to his release in November 2021.
Arnette would attempt to make a comeback in 2021, signing with the Miami Dolphins’ practice squad. However, his contract expired and was not renewed during the conclusion of the season in January 2022.
Following his small stint in the NFL, Arnette took two years away from football, and signed a contract with the Houston Roughnecks in December 2024, and prepared to play in the UFL’s second season.
Now, after three years away from the NFL, he gets another shot to prove that he can be a starting-caliber cornerback.
The Texans currently have Derek Stingley Jr., Kamari Lassiter, and Jalen Pitre as their starting corners. Tremon Smith, Keydrain Calligan, and Jaylin Smith are the backups.
Arnette is going to have a tough time battling it out for a roster spot, but he has every opportunity to shine in training camp and preseason to land a role on the 53-man roster.
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