Former Raiders first-round draft bust making NFL comeback with AFC team after 4-year absence

Former Las Vegas Raiders first-round draft pick and bust Damon Arnette is making an NFL comeback.

According to FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz, Arnette is signing a contract with the Houston Texans. Arnette hasn't played a snap in the NFL since 2021.

The Raiders' No. 19 overall pick in 2020, Arnette ran into multiple off-the-field issues during his time in Las Vegas, and he also battled some injury. Ultimately, the Raiders waived him in 2021.

Arnette did get a second chance with the Kansas City Chiefs early in 2022, but he was never able to see the field for the AFC powerhouse.

Arnette got on the comeback trail in the UFL, where he played for the Houston Roughnecks. Arnette recorded 18 tackles, one sack and one pick-six in 2025.

Speaking with Aaron Wilson of KPRC back in May, Arnette talked about his return to football while also noting that he has changed a lot from his troubled days in the NFL.

“One, I had to take a look in the mirror,” Arnette said. “I had to make some serious life changes. And the main thing that I did was I invited back my support system, my foundation, and that’s probably something I will never let go of again because I see how dangerous it is to be trying to navigate in a new world, new environment, new situations with no experience."

“I’m a dawg on the field. I’m more of a professional now than I ever was before. I wasn’t a professional before. I was just a dawg. I found professionalism and a calm state of mind. I feel like I’m the best version of myself that I’ve ever been," Arnette added.

Arnette will now look to secure himself a spot on the Texans' 53-man roster out of training camp, which begins late next month.