Nov 22, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Damon Arnette (20) breaks up a pass intended for Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) during the second half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Kansas City Chiefs are eyeing another run to the Super Bowl but, in the meantime, they’re also taking a calculated risk on former Raider Damon Arnette.
For the most part, the Kansas City Chiefs are focused on their Divisional Round playoff matchup with the Bills looming on Sunday. However, the job in the front office never rests easy and Kansas City is looking for ways they can improve the roster moving beyond this season.
Thus, they are taking a bit of a gamble heading into the 2022 season.
On Thursday, the Chiefs signed former Raiders first-round cornerback Damon Arnette to a Reserve/Futures contract. For those who don’t know, that contract is essentially the same as any contract except for the fact that it won’t go into effect until the start of the new league year on March 16.
Chiefs sign Damon Arnette to Reserve/Futures contract
Arnette was a highly coveted prospect coming out of Ohio State — even if the perception in the draft was that the Raiders reached to select him when they did. However, his time with Las Vegas ended abruptly after he posted a threatening video to social media while brandishing a firearm.
In the wake of his release, reports surfaced that he’d had multiple off-field issues since entering the NFL and joining the Raiders.
Given the nature of his departure and the fact that his stint with the Dolphins was also short, this is certainly a dart throw from Kansas City. At the same time, the Chiefs have often found value in signings like this as they bank on players making the most of a proverbial second chance.
We shall see if the former Raider finds a long-term new home staying in the AFC West but it is a move that Chiefs fans will certainly want to keep an eye on.