Texans Sign Former Raiders First-Round Pick Damon Arnette After Year of Legal Issues

The Houston Texans are signing former first-round pick Damon Arnette Jr., who has not played in the NFL since legal problems derailed his career in 2022. Arnette was selected 19th overall by the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2020 draft but was released amid two lawsuits and a troubling video showing him brandishing weapons. He recently played for the Houston Roughnecks of the UFL, where he racked up 18 tackles and an interception.

The Cleveland Browns are exploring a unique strategy heading into the 2025 NFL season by considering the possibility of keeping all four of their quarterbacks on the roster. This unprecedented move, if executed, would be one of the most intriguing storylines of the summer. General Manager Andrew Berry has hinted at this possibility, stating that if all four quarterbacks, including rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, perform well enough, they could all remain on the roster [1].

The Browns have a robust group of quarterbacks, including veterans Joe Flacco and the injured Deshaun Watson, who is currently rehabbing from a re-ruptured Achilles. The NFL's expanded practice squads, now allowing 16 players, provide additional flexibility for teams to keep multiple quarterbacks on their rosters. The Browns' situation is particularly interesting as they have a strong core of talent at the most important position in the league.

Dillon Gabriel, a Heisman Trophy finalist and former Oregon Ducks star, has impressed the Browns during minicamp. He led the Ducks to a 13-1 overall record and a Big Ten Conference title in 2024, finishing with 30 touchdowns, six interceptions, and a 72.9 completion rate. Gabriel's performance at minicamp further showcased his NFL-ready skills, going 48 of 83 passing for eight touchdowns with zero interceptions [1].

Shedeur Sanders, a former Colorado Buffaloes star, also turned heads during minicamp. He led all four quarterbacks in team drill completion percentage and touchdown passes during the five practices open to the media [1]. Both rookies have adjusted quickly to the professional level, with insiders viewing them as roster locks.

The Browns' situation is a stark contrast to the Houston Texans, who are signing former first-round pick Damon Arnette Jr. after a tumultuous period off the field. Arnette, who was selected 19th overall by the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2020 draft, was released amid legal issues and has not played in the NFL since 2022. He recently played for the Houston Roughnecks of the UFL, where he racked up 18 tackles and an interception [2].

The Texans' signing of Arnette highlights the NFL's willingness to give second chances, while the Browns' potential strategy of keeping all four quarterbacks demonstrates the league's evolving approach to roster management. The NFL preseason begins for the Browns against the Carolina Panthers on Aug. 8, providing the first look at Gabriel and potentially all four of the Browns' quarterbacks in NFL action.

References:
[1] https://www.si.com/college/oregon/football/cleveland-browns-dillon-gabriel-trade-andrew-berry-take-shedeur-sanders-quarterbacks-kevin-stefanski-general-manager
[2] https://www.reuters.com/sports/reports-texans-sign-former-first-round-pick-damon-arnette-2025-06-18/