The Chiefs are giving another former first-round cornerback a second chance. They are signing Damon Arnette to a reserve/futures contract, Field Yates of ESPN.com tweets.
This does not impact Kansas City’s playoff roster, but it does give the Chiefs yet another corner recently drafted in the first round. The former Raiders Round 1 pick will head to Kansas City after a brief stint on Miami’s practice squad. The Raiders cut Arnette earlier this year after a video surfaced showing him threatening a person while brandishing a handgun.
The Chiefs acquired former Vikings first-round corner Mike Hughes via trade last year and also have former Giants first-round cover man Deandre Baker on their playoff roster. Kansas City signed Baker not long after an off-field incident led to his New York ouster. Hughes is due for unrestricted free agency after this season; Baker can be controlled next season via exclusive-rights free agent tender.
Andy Reid‘s team has not shied away from players with checkered pasts, and the six-time reigning AFC West champions have benefited considerably from the acquisitions of Tyreek Hill and Frank Clark. While Arnette entered the NFL with a higher profile than each, being chosen 19th overall in 2020, he was headed in the wrong direction with the Raiders.
The Raiders used Arnette as a seven-game starter in 2020 but relegated him to a part-time role this year. The Ohio State product played four games with this year’s Las Vegas squad but was cut shortly after the Raiders parted ways with their other 2020 first-rounder — Henry Ruggs. Arnette is also facing multiple lawsuits, one for a car accident that resulted in injuries.
This is squarely on Roger and the league. A team, in this case the Raiders try to clean up the leagues reputation. The city, team and owners did the right thing. BUT! here we go AGAIN! The Chiefs send the fans the message that winning is more important than criminal behavior and the sport moves on? No wonder players could care less what they, who they do it to because this behavior is not just welcome in this league its celebrated!
it’s on Roger that two teams run their operations differently?
No. its not that shallow. Its about. league that recycles felons, criminals, drug addicts and players that at best can be described as social defectives. As the commissioner he touts that he “protects the shield” of the NFL. Players misconduct passes his desk or bench involving Owners and players cases. He’s levying fines, suspensions and bans from in some cases the league. Saying this is simply “different operations” is like Hitler was a great guy outside that thing in Europe?
I don’t like the NFL’s lack of care as much as the next guy, but I think that’s on them to decide. The “protect the shield” line is garbo and everyone knows it.
Are you talking about the same Raiders team that had a head coach that was sending racist and hatred-filled emails? The same team that just had their star WR ice ash and cause a young girl and her dog to be burned alive in her car?
“Come on man”…
Are any of those people still employed by the Raiders? I’ll give you Gruden might be today if Mark had his way, as Davis really likes him for some reason. I think the OP may be going a stretch too far with trying to paint the Raiders as champions of good, and I say that as a Raider fan. But in the same breath, they took decisive action against Ruggs and Arnette. You can’t really hold it against them that they didn’t cut them before the tragedy/incident, as they can’t see the future.
Is the kid never supposed to be given another chance? He’s paid a huge price. He’s not exactly a shoe in to ever play again. The Chiefs are giving him a chance to clean up his act. If he does wouldn’t that be considered a good thing? What’s wrong with people who love to hate?
This guy seemingly hasn’t wanted to be a football player since he was at Ohio State. I hate that we wasted a first round pick on him and highly doubt he ever becomes an impact player in the NFL.
Hot joke of a take: we should ban Ohio State from having 1st round prospects.
What the actual F? Arnette really sucks so I as a Raider fan am ecstatic that the Chiefs signed him.
Lol. One guy currently on your team just got arrested and you go out and sign another criminal.
What better place than KC to see if he can get his life straightened out. Hate on the pick up or not, it makes to give him a change of scenery and leadership. He is young, rich, unique and in Vegas….bad place to be to try and mature.
So you aren’t allowed to pull weapons on people in KC? What he did had nothing to do with the city and it’s distraction
Smart move again by Kansas City! Was he convicted yet? In this country you are innocent until proven guilty! By the way, he should be able to earn a living, I don’t know why teams cut players accused of crimes. People make mistakes, what are these guys supposed to do? Should they be put to death? People should be allowed to work. This demand that people be fired has got to stop. By the way I’m not a chiefs fan, I’m a Steelers fan, wish Pittsburgh would have signed him.
There is a video, so he’s plenty guilty. As a Raider fan, I’m happy they cut him. I wanted them to cut him. I’m not rooting for a guy like that.
You’re also mistaking playing in the NFL with the “right to make a living”, and they’re two very different things. Playing professional sports is not a right, as there are other ways to make money. If he wants to go do construction, he can. If he wants to start his own business, he could. I’m not shedding any tears of empathy though for any knucklehead because they get cut after doing something like this. It’s simple, don’t be a clown. It’s really not that hard.
The problem is teams like KC here, and giving second chances when violence or the threat of is involved.
Well, I have 2 words for you: Kareem Hunt.
I’m guessing your employer would fire you if you did the same thing. Nobody says Arnett doesn’t have the right to work. McDonald’s may hire him
HOW DARE THEY