"The San Francisco 49ers, including general manager John Lynch, reached out to the UFL about Arnette," Wilson reported. "Another NFL team that displayed interest in Arnette and was exploring the possibility of adding him was the Green Bay Packers, per league sources."
UFL executive vice president of football operations Daryl Johnston told Wilson that the Texans and 49ers "were probably the two busiest teams that were reaching out on Damon's behalf."
A former first-round draft pick of the Las Vegas Raiders, Arnette has been working to turn his life around after previous legal and personal issues derailed his NFL career.
In 2021, Arnette was accused of injuring a woman in a car crash that had occurred the previous year. Shortly afterward, the Raiders released him after a video surfaced showing him brandishing firearms and making death threats.
In 2022, shortly after signing a reserve/futures contract with the Kansas City Chiefs, Arnette was arrested in Las Vegas, Nevada, on charges of assault with a deadly weapon, carrying a concealed weapon without a permit, and two counts of possession of a controlled substance.
Later that year, he was pulled over twice, arrested, and charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and driving on a suspended license.
In 2024, Arnette was arrested in Texas and charged with possession of methamphetamine and unlawful carrying of a firearm.
The 49ers' interest in Arnette isn't surprising, given the uncertainty in their secondary following the departure of Charvarius Ward, who signed with the Indianapolis Colts in free agency. The team was likely looking to bolster its cornerback depth and fuel more competition.
San Francisco's current cornerback group features veteran Deommodore Lenoir and second-year player Renardo Green, along with several others competing for roles, including third-round draft pick Upton Stout and free-agent acquisition Tre Brown.
Meanwhile, the Texans' pursuit of Arnette means he is viewed as a potential fit for head coach DeMeco Ryans' defense. Ryans, who previously served as the 49ers' defensive coordinator, likely sees similar qualities in Arnette that also appealed to San Francisco.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Former 49ers safety calls out injury issues: 'You have to stop calling it bad luck'
The list of San Francisco 49ers players who continue to sit out training camp practices is lengthy. That prompted one reporter to ask assistant head coach and offensive line coach Chris Foerster, who is serving as interim head coach while Kyle Shanahan recovers from injuries... -
49ers work out two more defensive players, including former Cardinals draft pick
The San Francisco 49ers are continuing to look for help at edge rusher. In addition to veteran edge rusher Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, who reportedly worked out for the team on Sunday, the 49ers also brought in outside linebackers Andre Carter and Xavier Thomas for workouts, according... -
Two former QBs revive 49ers' electrical substation injury talk
Former NFL quarterbacks Derek and David Carr have a theory about why the San Francisco 49ers always seem to find themselves dealing with injuries. And no, it isn't a new theory. Yep, you guessed it: more substation talk. The 49ers' injury history has been a recurring topic in... -
49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan addresses the media during training camp
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke with reporters after Saturday's training camp practice. It was the first time he spoke publicly since suffering injuries during a July 14 car accident. Here's everything he had to say. Transcript provided by the San Francisco...