The Houston Texans have made a significant move by signing cornerback Damon Arnette to a one-year deal, as the 2020 first-round pick aims to reestablish himself in the NFL after facing a tumultuous period marked by legal issues. This signing reflects the Texans’ calculated approach to fill their roster needs, especially in the secondary.
Arnette’s most recent stint was with the Houston Roughnecks in the now-defunct UFL, where he played in 2025. That experience may provide him a fresh perspective and renewed motivation to once again compete at the NFL level. However, his path back to the league hasn’t been without considerable challenges. Just lately, a federal judge ordered him to pay over $78,000 to a dancer who accused him of assaulting her during a house party in March 2023. This ongoing legal battle is just one facet of Arnette’s complicated journey back to football.
Originally drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders out of Ohio State University, Arnette was thrust into the spotlight with high expectations. Unfortunately, his career took a downward spiral following a troubled tenure that ended with his release in November 2021 after just 13 games over two seasons. His time in Las Vegas was marred by allegations, including a lawsuit for an alleged hit-and-run, along with a video that surfaced showing him making death threats while brandishing firearms. These issues undeniably tarnished his reputation and hampered his NFL prospects.
After his release from the Raiders, he signed to the Miami Dolphins practice squad in December 2021, but did not see any game action and was ultimately not retained. His brief tenure with the Kansas City Chiefs began with promise when he signed a futures contract in January 2022, but that quickly fell apart as he was released shortly afterward due to further legal issues, including charges related to assault with a deadly weapon and possession of controlled substances.
Although those charges were eventually dropped, Arnette’s legal troubles didn’t stop there. In July 2022, he faced new arrests in Miami on charges related to drug possession and operating a vehicle with a suspended license. More recently, in January 2024, he was arrested again in Richardson, Texas, this time encountering charges for possession of meth and unlawful carrying of a firearm. Reports indicate that Arnette entered a diversion program concerning his Miami charges, and his legal team explained that his latest run-in with the law stemmed from his inability to provide a prescription for medication.
Despite this troubled history, the Texans have taken a chance on Arnette, a move that speaks to their willingness to invest in players who possess potential, even amidst adversity. However, the organization has so far opted to remain tight-lipped about his legal past, choosing instead to focus on the opportunity for Arnette to turn it all around on the field.
As the Texans look ahead, they will be monitoring Arnette’s performance closely. Should he manage to put his past behind him, he could still bring immense talent and skill to the secondary, a unit that could use all the help it can get. The question remains whether Arnette can leverage this second chance and reclaim a spot as a contributor in the NFL. Only time will tell if this gamble will pay off for the Texans and for Arnette himself.
