Three former Raiders to watch in the United Football League

For Las Vegas Raiders fans struggling with the wait until the NFL season kicks off again, there is another opportunity to scratch the itch.

On March 28, the United Football League kicks off, giving NFL fans a nice alternative in the spring. The league provides a tremendous opportunity for players hoping to make it to the NFL level, as well as veterans seeking to stage a comeback. Last season alone, over 70 players from the UFL were on an NFL roster in some capacity, with Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates and Minnesota Viking defensive tackle Jalen Redmond serving as major contributors for their teams.

Some former Raiders are part of the league this season, so here are a few familiar faces to watch.

Damon Arnette, CB, Houston Roughnecks

Very few players in Raiders history match the sheer frustration that Arnette provided during his tenure with the team.

Drafted in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, the biggest enemy throughout Arnette’s professional career was himself. From crashed rental cars and DUIs to weapons charges, Arnette’s character issues proved to be too much for the Raiders, who released him before the end of his second season. With several arrests afterwards, it appeared as though the Raiders made the right decision.

However, Arnette seems dedicated to turning his life around and getting his focus back on football. The Roughnecks signed him in December for the upcoming season, and it is hard to imagine they would do so if they did not believe he can contribute positively.

If Arnette can finally keep his nose clean and show the talent he flashed at Ohio State again, it would make for a remarkable comeback story.

Obi Melifonwu, LB, Memphis Showboats

Melifonwu had everything NFL scouts loved in a prospect.

Standing at six-foot-four and weighing 224 pounds, Melifonwu emerged as a top safety prospect in the 2017 Draft after putting up a 4.4 second 40-yard dash time and 44-inch vertical jump. It convinced the Raiders to draft him in the second round, hoping he could emerge as a difference maker in the secondary. Unfortunately, injuries derailed Melifonwu’s NFL career, as he lasted only seven games before being out of the league.

Now turning 31 years old in April, Melifonwu hopes for some form of redemption to his professional career. On the same Showboats team as another Raiders draft bust in defensive end P.J. Hall (2nd round, 2018), Melifonwu has now converted to linebacker, where his sturdy frame serves as an asset. Should he make a smooth conversion over to his new position, the door is open for Melifonwu to make one more run at the professional level.

Staying healthy and productive will be key in helping the veteran Melifonwu get another chance.

Marquette King, P, Arlington Renegades

Out of the three players mentioned, King was far and way the most productive of everyone.

Signed by the then-Oakland Raiders in 2012 out of Fort Valley State, King replaced legendary punter Shane Lechler the following season. He spent five seasons with the Raiders, earning second-team All-Pro honors in 2016. However, his on-field antics and off-field troubles were too much for the Raiders, causing Jon Gruden to remove him from the team shortly after he took over in 2018.

This will be King’s second season punting in the UFL, making the inaugural All-UFL team last season. He unsuccessfully lobbied for a return to the NFL after that campaign, and he has already publicly stated he would like to return to the Denver Broncos, where he played in 2018 after being cut by the Raiders. Assuming King stays out of trouble off the field and productive on it, there is a possibility he returns to the NFL.

Even for pure entertainment value alone, King is worth a watch.