The San Francisco 49ers were interested in controversial cornerback Damon Arnette Jr. before he ultimately signed a one-year free-agent contract with the Houston Texans earlier this month.
That is indisputable.
But it leads to the question of "why''?
And that is a debate about just how "desperate'' this team is for cornerback help vs. just how "deserving'' Arnette is of a second chance.
“It was a couple of teams that were reaching out on him,” UFL exec Daryl Johnston (the former Dallas Cowboys great) said. “He’s got everything you want, he’s got the length. He’s a former first-round (NFL) draft pick, so the talent is there. It’s really the maturity.
"Has he learned from what happened to him, his first opportunity when he was in Vegas?''
Has he, indeed?
Arnette ultimately signed a one-year free-agent contract with the Houston Texans after playing well in the UFL. What's he trying to overcome? He was the Las Vegas Raiders' No. 19 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft but got the boot after playing just 13 games over two seasons because of a handful of behavioral and legal issues.
The rap sheet?
In 2021, the Raiders finally cut him amid a video surfacing that seems to show him brandishing firearms and making death threats.
In 2022, after signing with the Kansas City Chiefs, Arnette was arrested in Las Vegas on charges of assault with a deadly weapon, carrying a concealed weapon without a permit and two counts of possession of a controlled substance.
Later in 2022, he was pulled over twice, arrested, and charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and driving on a suspended license.
In 2024, Arnette was arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine and unlawful carrying of a firearm.
"Deserving of a second chance''?
In terms of his skill set, Arnette would have fit with San Francisco. And in terms of roster need?
The 49ers are enduring the free agency departure of Charvarius Ward, who signed with the Indianapolis Colts. And now San Francisco has a legal issue with Deommodore Lenoir as well. (See below.)
Arnette's work with the Houston Roughnecks of the UFL last year included 18 tackles, five passes defensed, one sack and one pick-6.
“So, we’re very proud of what he’s done with this opportunity,” Johnston said. “He’s still got a long way to go.''
