The Houston Gamblers are rolling out the red carpet for one of their former starters returning to the UFL for the 2026 campaign.
According to the UFL Communication Department X page, the Gamblers have signed cornerback Damon Arnette to the training camp roster. Arnette is a former first-round pick of the Las Vegas Raiders back in 2019, as he played for three NFL teams before 2022, which seemed like the end of the line for him.
The UFL provided a second chance for Arnette last year as he played a key role in the Roughnecks' secondary. In eight games, Arnette racked up 18 tackles, five pass deflections, two tackles for loss, one sack, and one interception. His play in the UFL helped him return to the NFL with the Houston Texans before training camp, but he didn't make the final 53-man roster and spent much of the season on the practice squad.
Damon Arnette is back in the UFL with the Houston Gamblers
Arnette was a key figure in Houston's secondary, especially late in the season when the Roughnecks turned things around and got to a 5-5 record. For him to make his return to the UFL, it's a massive upgrade for the Gamblers' secondary and one that could end up paying off big time for them.
The Gamblers already have some good players in their secondary who feel they can earn starting jobs, including Carlton Johnson, Kary Vincent Jr., Keenan Isaac, and more. This is a secondary that is deep in depth, which will make the final few days of training camp very interesting for head coach Kevin Sumlin and defensive coordinator Marvin Sanders.
It's never safe to assume anything, but based on what Arnette did last year in the UFL, it doesn't feel as though he should have a spot on the final roster. He may or may not start right away, as he has to learn a whole new defense, but there's no doubt he can make an impact on this unit when the season begins.
This is a crucial signing for Houston, as they put themselves in the conversation for one of the UFL's best defenses thanks to Arnette's return.