The Houston Texans announced the signing of former Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Damon Arnette, making the move official. To make room for Arnette, the Texans cut veteran long snapper Tucker Addington.
Addington, who turns 28 in July, has spent three seasons in the NFL, split between the Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, and Washington Commanders.
After a brief stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars, he signed with the Texans in February.
“The Texans needed depth at cornerback behind All-Pro corner Derek Stingley Jr. and starter Kamari Lassiter after the retirement of veteran corner Ronald Darby,” KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson wrote on June 20, explaining the logic behind the move. “They recently worked out Arnette along with cornerbacks Duke Shelley and Keenan Isaac, per sources.”
Arnette’s pedigree makes him a worthwhile flier for the Texans, albeit with considerable risk, given his multiple run-ins with the law as recently as 2024. He comes with strong votes of confidence from those who know him, including former head coach Jon Gruden.
The Texans also set themselves up to potentially move on from Addington this offseason.
Texans Set Stage for Tucker Addington’s Exit
GettyHouston Texans general manager Nick Caserio speaks to the media during the 2025 NFL Combine.
Even before Darby retired or the Texans considered options like Arnette, they lost longtime long snapper Jon Weeks to the San Francisco 49ers in free agency.
That was after they decided to bring Addington in on a one-year, $1.1 million contract.
“#Texans signed former @WVUfootball standout long snapper Austin Brinkman after the draft to three-year contract with $110,000 guaranteed,” Wilson posted on X on June 20. With release of Tucker Addington, Brinkman is the only long snapper on the roster.”
Brinkman spent four seasons with the Mountaineers, helping them reach bowl games in three of those campaigns.
Brinkman’s contract is the highest among the four 2025 UDFA long snappers, per Spotrac.
That is a strong sign that the Texans intended for him to at least compete with Addington for the job from the outset, if not be the frontrunner. They cut Addington at a dead cap hit of $5,000. So, the Texans saved money, which is helpful with Arnette’s addition.
Damon Arnette Follows Familiar Pattern for Texans
GettyHouston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans speaks to the media during the NFL Scouting Combine.
Arnette’s signing has brought his sordid past back to light. Arnette asserts that he is a different person off the field now. However, his past is exactly why he is a fitting addition to the Texans’ defensive secondary.
“Damon Arnette Jr. is a classic Nick Caserio signing. Former high draft pick who never realized his potential,” James Roy of “The Bullpen: A Houston Texans Podcast” posted on X on June 18.
“When the Texans need depth they generally go that route when they can.”
The Texans also roster more prominent examples of Roy’s underlying point, including on the other side of the ball in running back Joe Mixon, a Pro Bowler whose off-field troubles marred his collegiate career and followed him into the NFL.
The Texans believe strongly in their leadership structure. Keeping the players in line will fall largely on head coach DeMeco Ryans.
They do not need Arnette, who should be as motivated as ever to be at his best.
