Former Ohio State Star Cornerback Damon Arnette Expected to Receive NFL Lifeline With Houston Texans Signing Opportunity

Former Ohio State cornerback Damon Arnette, a once-promising first-round NFL Draft pick, is reportedly on the verge of receiving a second chance in the National Football League. According to multiple league sources, Arnette is expected to sign with the Houston Texans in a move that could mark a career renaissance for the embattled defensive back.

Arnette, who was selected 19th overall by the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2020 NFL Draft, has experienced a tumultuous professional journey riddled with legal issues and off-the-field controversy. His fall from grace was swift and public, but with this new opportunity from Houston, the former Buckeye has a chance to redefine his narrative and reestablish himself in a league that once had high expectations for him.

The Rise at Ohio State

Before entering the NFL, Arnette made a name for himself as a key cog in Ohio State’s secondary. During his time in Columbus, Arnette developed into one of the most physical and fearless cornerbacks in college football, playing alongside fellow standouts like Jeff Okudah and Shaun Wade. In his senior season under head coach Ryan Day and co-defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, Arnette was a starter on a defense that helped propel the Buckeyes to a College Football Playoff appearance.

He finished his career with five interceptions and 22 pass breakups, earning second-team All-Big Ten honors and catching the eye of NFL scouts who loved his toughness, length, and press coverage skills. Despite questions about his consistency and discipline on the field, his talent was undeniable, leading to his selection in the first round by the Raiders.

NFL Career Derailment

Arnette’s transition to the NFL, however, was far from smooth. Injuries limited his playing time during his rookie season with the Raiders, and even when healthy, he struggled to meet the lofty expectations associated with his draft position. But it wasn’t just on-field issues that plagued his tenure in Las Vegas.

The turning point came in 2021 when a video surfaced on social media showing Arnette brandishing firearms and making threats, leading to his immediate release from the Raiders. That incident, along with other reported legal troubles—including multiple arrests—cast a shadow over his career and future in the league.

He briefly signed with the Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs in 2022, but neither stint lasted long. The Chiefs released Arnette shortly after he was arrested in Las Vegas on weapons and drug charges, further complicating his professional prospects.

A New Chapter in Houston?

Now, three years after being drafted, Damon Arnette is expected to get a fresh opportunity with the Houston Texans—a franchise that has been steadily rebuilding its identity under head coach DeMeco Ryans and general manager Nick Caserio. The Texans are coming off a surprising 2024 season that saw them reach the playoffs with rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud playing at an elite level. Their defense, headlined by young stars like Will Anderson Jr. and Derek Stingley Jr., showed significant progress, but Houston still needs depth in the secondary.

Arnette’s addition would not come with a guaranteed roster spot. Sources say the Texans are expected to offer him a non-guaranteed, incentive-laden deal that gives the team flexibility while providing Arnette a platform to prove himself. The move is being described as low-risk, high-reward—a common theme in today’s NFL landscape where second chances are extended to those who demonstrate accountability and growth.

Whether Arnette can make the most of this opportunity remains to be seen, but those close to the situation insist he’s taken steps toward personal and professional improvement. Reports suggest he has been training rigorously over the past year, staying out of trouble, and has worked with mentors and former coaches in an effort to mature and get his life back on track.

The NFL’s Road to Redemption

Arnette’s story is not unique. The NFL has seen several players stumble off the field and later return to find success, provided they demonstrate genuine change. For Arnette, this path will require more than talent—it will demand humility, discipline, and consistency.

The Texans’ leadership, particularly Coach Ryans—a former NFL player himself known for his disciplined approach—could offer the type of structure and mentorship that Arnette desperately needs. The team has also built a reputation for supporting its players off the field while maintaining a strong locker room culture, which may be critical for someone like Arnette.

From a football standpoint, the Texans could benefit from Arnette’s skillset if he’s able to recapture the form that made him a first-round pick. At his best, he brings press-man ability, fluid hips, and physicality at the line of scrimmage—traits that fit well with Ryans’ aggressive defensive philosophy. Houston will likely give him reps at both outside corner and in sub-packages, should he earn a spot in training camp.

Reaction from the Football World

The news of Arnette’s potential return has already sparked reactions across the football world. Some fans and analysts are skeptical, pointing to his troubled past and questioning whether he deserves another opportunity. Others believe in the power of redemption, especially if Arnette has truly changed and is ready to make amends through action.

Former Ohio State teammates, including several currently in the NFL, have expressed support for Arnette on social media. One anonymous Buckeye alum said, “Damon made mistakes, no doubt. But I’ve seen the work he’s put in to get right. He’s not the same guy he was in Vegas.”

If he does sign with the Texans, it’s likely Arnette will face scrutiny not only from the media but also internally within the organization. The Texans have been cautious in the past about adding players with character concerns, which suggests that any deal would come with strict conditions and a zero-tolerance approach.

What Comes Next

If and when the signing becomes official, the real work begins for Damon Arnette. He’ll need to perform on the field during mini-camps and training camp, while also proving off the field that he is committed to the responsibilities that come with being an NFL player. This includes maintaining a clean record, contributing positively to the locker room, and staying focused on football.

For Houston, this is a calculated gamble—one that could either yield a revitalized player eager to make up for lost time or end quietly like his previous NFL stops. But if Arnette has truly turned a corner, the Texans may have uncovered a low-cost gem in a league where cornerback depth is invaluable.

Damon Arnette’s story is still being written. Once a rising star at Ohio State and a top-20 NFL Draft pick, his journey has since been marked by mistakes, missed opportunities, and public scrutiny. Now, with the Houston Texans reportedly prepared to give him another shot, Arnette has a rare chance to rewrite his narrative.

Whether this becomes a tale of redemption or yet another cautionary example remains to be seen. But for the first time in a long time, Damon Arnette is back in the NFL conversation—and this time, the spotlight is his to earn.