The Roughnecks are coming over their most impressive Offensive output of the season this past week against the Defending Champion Birmingham Stallions. Most notably while freshly minted starting Quarterback Nolan Henderson looked like he was moving the offense in a positive direction an injured stunted his opportunity as he was later seen on the sideline in a sling.
In comes Jalan McClendon, a patient man where every opportunity he’s had in spring football has led him to “waiting” his turn. Whether it was with the LA Wildcats in 2020, the Vegas Vipers in 2023, the D.C. Defenders in 2024, or even his days back in college (where he only threw 136 passes), McClendon has always been patient.
So, when Nolan Henderson goes to the infamous “blue tent”, and McClendon comes on to the field it’s a situation he’s been in before. McClendon would orchestrate the Roughnecks most impressive Offensive output passing for 236 yards and adding a 17 on the ground with a touchdown. While McClendon may have solidified his place as QB1 in Houston, what does it mean for the rest of the room.
It’d be fair to assume that Henderson will miss some time, and with the volatility of QBs as the season progresses, the Roughnecks may want to consider bringing in someone who can give them a bit “more”. Houston has already dealt with the Anthony Brown experience which led to limited production and anemic offensive outputs. While it doesn’t appear, Houston is a playoff team they still do have a chance, to create some noise with McClendon at the helm and you wouldn’t want that to wash away with handing the control of the Offense over to Brown again if McClendon goes down.
Possible Options:
Brandon Silvers
Experience: Memphis Express, New York Jets, Seattle Sea Dragons, The Spring League, FCF, Houston Roughnecks, St. Louis Battlehawks
Silvers is one of the more experienced Quarterbacks on the market right now. Between his ties to the original Roughnecks brand, and his history with Will Lewis (Lewis was the GM of the Memphis Express), there may be enough of a connection to get Silvers to strap it up as QB2 for Houston.
Reid Sinnett
Experience: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Miami Dolphins, Cincinatti Bengals, Philadelphia Eagles, San Antonio Brahmas, Houston Roughnecks
Sinnett has had a nice go at in his career, and currently in Europe with the Madrid Bravos. With his time in in the UFL and with Houston would he come back? Sinnett is building a brand outside of football, and European living may be a bit more enticing then living in the Arlington Hub.
Kenji Bahar
Experience: Baltimore Ravens, Toronto Argonauts, Houston Gamblers, Houston Roughnecks, Massachusetts Pirates
Bahar is familiar with Johnson and the Roughnecks even making a cameo with the team last season during Jarrett Gaurantano’s injury. Currently, Bahar is with the Mass. Pirates of the Indoor Football League and could be a stabilizing force with Roughnecks while Henderson is sidelined.
John Matocha
Experience: Toronto Argonauts, Denver Broncos (RMC-Invite)
This could be a stretch, but maybe they take a stab at John Matocha from Colorado School of Mines. Currently GM Will Lewis’s son works at the school and maybe there is a connection. While connections are key in football, Matocha also put together a nice career in college, earning the Harlon Hill trophy along with being a Two-Time All-American. Matocha’s effort earned a considerable look from the Denver Broncos, in addition to an opportunity with the CFL’s Toronto Argonauts.
2025 Draft Eligible QB
This might not be the best option but is the most enticing. The Michigan Panthers and Arlington Renegades have opted to both sign 2025 Draft eligible QBs with Alan Bowman and Luke Lehnen. With many older QBs possibly not looking at the UFL as viable option (due to Anthony Brown, and Brett Hundley not having post spring league success), maybe taking a look at a DJ Uiagalelei from Florida State, Tommy Mellott from Montana State, or Donovan Smith from Texas Tech/Houston might be a bit more attractive than the above-mentioned QBs.
