Commanders urged to give draft bust turned UFL star one final NFL shot

The Washington Commanders have a decent group of cornerbacks entering the 2025 campaign. That didn't stop an NFL analyst from boldly claiming head coach Dan Quinn should give one final chance to a major draft bust looking to make his way back into the league.

Big things were expected of Damon Arnette Jr. when the Las Vegas Raiders took him at No. 19 overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. Immaturity, coupled with off-the-field issues, meant his time in the league was short-lived. He was waived by the AFC West club during his second season. The Kansas City Chiefs brought him in briefly, but the cornerback didn't stick.

After a three-year exile, Arnette is looking to make his way back into the pros. He's caught the eye for the Houston Roughnecks in the UFL, and Aaron Wilson from Click2Houston stated several NFL teams have already been in contact with the former Ohio State standout.

Commanders linked with move for resurgent cornerback Damon Arnette Jr.

Arnette knows he's a different person now. Fatherhood and having his childhood dream extinguished brought a different perspective to his door. Something the defensive back believes can allow him to make a bigger NFL impact if given the opportunity.

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.Damon Arnette Jr. via Click2Houston

Anthony Palacios from Last Word on Sports listed the Commanders among those who could make a play for Arnette in the not-too-distant future. Something that would improve depth and provide relief if Marshon Lattimore cannot shake off his injury problems.

The same depth issues can be said about the Washington Commanders. They have a great thing going on in their offense, but the same can’t be said about the secondary unit. Despite signing Jonathan Jones, he’s only on for a one-year deal and needs a capable replacement after losing Benjamin St-Juste. Arnette might not win the starting job, but it provides relief for veteran Marshon Lattimore, who has injury issues.Anthony Palacios

The Commanders have brought someone out of the proverbial wilderness once already this offseason. Wide receiver Michael Gallup ended his retirement after one season. While Arnette didn't take such drastic measures, his route into the league looked grim before restoring his reputation in the UFL.

Whether it's something Washington will consider is anyone's guess. They have Lattimore, Mike Sainristil, Jonathan Jones, Noah Igbinoghene, and second-round pick Trey Amos as their projected roster locks currently. That leaves room for one or potentially two more, depending on how many cornerbacks the Commanders take through. It would be challenging for Arnette, but it could be the golden ticket he needs to finally fulfill his pre-draft promise.

It wouldn't cost the Commanders much to find out for sure. If those in power decide more is needed, they could do far worse.

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