Damon Arnette Reportedly to Sign Texans Contract, Raiders' 1st-Round Pick in 2020

The Houston Texans are signing cornerback Damon Arnette, according to KPRC 2 Houston's Aaron Wilson and NFL insider Jordan Schultz.

Arnette, a first-round pick in the 2020 NFL draft, most recently suited up for the UFL's Houston Roughnecks. His last NFL action came with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021.

The 28-year-old made 13 appearances across two seasons in Las Vegas. The Raiders cut him in November 2021 due to multiple off-field issues.

Arnette told Wilson in May that he has matured and is "more of a professional now than I ever was before."

"I'm 28 years old right now with three kids, with a mom and dad that loves me and has my back right now," he said. "With coaches, I feel like I've proved a complete turnaround. All the coaches that have been with me right now, I feel like their words would be more valuable because I've said a lot of things in the past. What I would say is what they see on film, that's me being out of commission for three years."

The Texans have their two starters at cornerback set heading into the 2025 season. Derek Stingley Jr. made his first All-Pro team last year and secured a three-year, $90 million extension. Kamari Lassiter, a 2024 second-round pick, had three interceptions and 58 combined tackles in his 14 starts.

With Ronald Darby retiring only months after signing with the team, Houston at least needed to shore up its depth in the secondary. Adding Arnette will accomplish that goal if he can earn a spot on the final roster.