49ers explored adding former 1st-round CB Damon Arnette

According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2, the San Francisco 49ers were among several NFL teams that showed interest in cornerback Damon Arnette Jr., who recently relaunched his career with the Houston Roughnecks of the United Football League (UFL). Although Arnette ultimately signed a one-year deal with the Houston Texans on June 20, 49ers general manager John Lynch reportedly inquired about the defensive back, who has a checkered past.

"The San Francisco 49ers, including general manager John Lynch, reached out to the UFL about Arnette," Wilson reported. "Another NFL team that displayed interest in Arnette and was exploring the possibility of adding him was the Green Bay Packers, per league sources."

UFL executive vice president of football operations Daryl Johnston told Wilson that the Texans and 49ers "were probably the two busiest teams that were reaching out on Damon's behalf."

A former first-round draft pick of the Las Vegas Raiders, Arnette has been working to turn his life around after previous legal and personal issues derailed his NFL career.

In 2021, Arnette was accused of injuring a woman in a car crash that had occurred the previous year. Shortly afterward, the Raiders released him after a video surfaced showing him brandishing firearms and making death threats.

In 2022, shortly after signing a reserve/futures contract with the Kansas City Chiefs, Arnette was arrested in Las Vegas, Nevada, 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 that year, 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 in Texas and charged with possession of methamphetamine and unlawful carrying of a firearm.

The 49ers' interest in Arnette isn't surprising, given the uncertainty in their secondary following the departure of Charvarius Ward, who signed with the Indianapolis Colts in free agency. The team was likely looking to bolster its cornerback depth and fuel more competition.

San Francisco's current cornerback group features veteran Deommodore Lenoir and second-year player Renardo Green, along with several others competing for roles, including third-round draft pick Upton Stout and free-agent acquisition Tre Brown.

Meanwhile, the Texans' pursuit of Arnette means he is viewed as a potential fit for head coach DeMeco Ryans' defense. Ryans, who previously served as the 49ers' defensive coordinator, likely sees similar qualities in Arnette that also appealed to San Francisco.