GREEN BAY, Wis. – The Green Bay Packers have made a bold move to bolster their secondary, signing former first-round cornerback Damon Arnette to a one-year deal, as reported by multiple sources. The 28-year-old, known for his blazing 4.56-second 40-yard dash speed and relentless playstyle, brings a dynamic presence to a Packers defense in desperate need of veteran depth. Described as a “beast” by scouts during his Ohio State days and a “whirlwind” on the field, Arnette’s addition could spell trouble for opposing quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL season.
A High-Potential Talent with a Redemption Story
Drafted 19th overall by the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2020 NFL Draft, Arnette was a standout at Ohio State, where he recorded five career interceptions, including a 96-yard pick-six as a senior. His athletic profile—standing at 5-foot-11 5/8 with 30-inch arms and a 4.56-second 40-yard dash at the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine—made him a coveted prospect. At Ohio State, he allowed a mere 38 percent catch rate in his final season, showcasing his ability to lock down receivers.
However, Arnette’s early NFL career was marred by off-field issues and injuries. After starting seven of nine games as a rookie with the Raiders, he faced setbacks, including a thumb injury, COVID-19 reserve list stints, and a groin injury in 2021. His tenure with the Raiders ended abruptly in November 2021 following a viral video incident, leading to his release. Brief stints with the Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs’ practice squads followed, but Arnette has not played in an NFL game since 2021.
His redemption arc began in the United Football League (UFL) with the Houston Roughnecks in 2025, where he recorded 18 tackles, one sack, five pass breakups, and a 51-yard pick-six. UFL executive vice president Daryl Johnston praised Arnette’s growth, noting, “The first time I met him, his appearance even, you see a completely different Damon Arnette. Very professional. He was remorseful for everything that happened.”
Why the Packers Made the Move
The Packers’ interest in Arnette, first reported by NFL insider Aaron Wilson, came as Green Bay sought to address a thin cornerback room. With Keisean Nixon, Nate Hobbs, and Carrington Valentine projected as starters, and no other cornerback on the roster having played a defensive snap last season, the team needed a veteran presence. The Packers explored signing Arnette before he initially inked a deal with the Houston Texans, but Green Bay’s persistence paid off with this latest signing.
Arnette’s connection to Green Bay’s coaching staff may have played a role. His time with the Raiders overlapped with current Packers special teams coordinator and assistant head coach Rich Bisaccia, who was with Las Vegas during Arnette’s tenure. This familiarity, combined with Arnette’s proven athleticism and recent UFL performance, likely gave the Packers confidence in his potential to contribute.
A ‘Whirlwind’ on the Field
Arnette’s playing style has long been described as aggressive and instinctive. At Ohio State, coaches praised his toughness, noting he played through a broken wrist in 2019, saving a touchdown against Michigan with a one-handed tackle. His ability to press receivers, disrupt routes, and explode toward the ball carrier earned him the “whirlwind” moniker. As one scout put it, “He’s a beast who plays with a chip on his shoulder. Quarterbacks don’t have time to react when he’s in their face.”
In Green Bay, Arnette is expected to compete for a starting role or serve as a high-upside backup. The Packers’ secondary, which ranked middle-of-the-pack in pass defense last season, could benefit from his physicality and ball skills. With a 50.0 percent completion rate allowed in the UFL, Arnette has shown he can still make plays on the ball, and his interception ability could add a turnover threat to a defense that recorded just seven interceptions in 2024.
#Texans weren’t the only #NFL team interested in Damon Arnette Jr. #49ers general manager John Lynch discussed him with UFL. #Packers were another team that explored Arnette option @KPRC2
“It was a couple of teams that were reaching out on him,” Johnston said. “He’s got… https://t.co/dMeoGj7Skt— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) June 27, 2025
Challenges and Expectations
Arnette’s signing is not without risk. His off-field troubles, including a 2020 car crash lawsuit, a 2022 arrest in Las Vegas, and a 2023 indictment for assault with a deadly weapon (resolved via a plea deal), have raised concerns about his maturity. However, his recent UFL stint and endorsements from figures like Johnston and former Raiders coach Jon Gruden suggest he’s turned a corner. “The football part is the easy part. He’s a first-round draft pick,” Johnston said. “His knowledge and passion for the game has to be present every day.”
For the Packers, the signing represents a low-risk, high-reward gamble. With a one-year deal, Arnette has a chance to prove himself in a structured environment under head coach Matt LaFleur and defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. If he can channel his athletic gifts and stay focused, he could become a steal for a team looking to contend in 2025.
What’s Next for Arnette and the Packers?
As training camp approaches on July 23, Arnette will compete with young corners like seventh-round picks Kalen King and Micah Robinson for a roster spot. The Packers’ decision to release All-Pro Jaire Alexander and let Eric Stokes, Corey Ballentine, and Robert Rochell walk in free agency underscores their willingness to take chances on new talent. Arnette’s speed, physicality, and playmaking ability could make him a fan favorite at Lambeau Field if he seizes this opportunity.
Opposing quarterbacks beware: with Arnette’s 4.56-second speed and relentless energy, the Packers’ secondary just got a lot more dangerous. As one UFL teammate put it, “When Damon’s locked in, he’s a whirlwind out there. Good luck throwing his way.”