Chiefs Sign Former $13M Raiders First-Round Pick, Good Pick or Daring Move

Kansas City, MO – May 21, 2025
The Kansas City Chiefs, three-time defending AFC champions, made headlines by officially signing Damon Arnette, the former cornerback selected by the Las Vegas Raiders in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft with a four-year, $13.4 million rookie contract. This move aims to add depth to the Chiefs’ secondary ahead of the 2025 season as the team addresses vulnerabilities at the cornerback position.

Damon Arnette’s Tumultuous Journey

Damon Arnette, 28, was drafted 19th overall by the Raiders in 2020, carrying high expectations as a cornerstone of their defense. However, his tenure with the Raiders was brief and marred by controversy. Over two seasons (2020-2021), he played in 13 games, recording 29 tackles and 3 pass deflections. Arnette was released in November 2021 following an off-field incident involving allegations of online threats and illegal firearm possession, compounded by his lackluster on-field performance.

After leaving the Raiders, Arnette had brief stints with the Kansas City Chiefs (2022) and Miami Dolphins (2023) but failed to secure a spot on either active roster. He also played sparingly for the D.C. Defenders (XFL) and Birmingham Stallions (UFL) in 2023, with minimal impact. Recently, Arnette told Click2Houston.com that he has “turned his life around” and is ready to return to the NFL, emphasizing his renewed support system to overcome past mistakes.

Chiefs Offer Arnette a Second Chance

According to Sporting News, the Chiefs invited Arnette for a workout during May 2025 OTA sessions and were impressed by his performance. The team signed him to a one-year contract worth approximately $1.2 million (near the veteran minimum), with performance-based incentives. This “low-risk, high-reward” deal aligns with the Chiefs’ need for secondary depth following the trade of L’Jarius Sneed to the Tennessee Titans and Jaylen Watson’s injury-plagued 2024 season (limited to 6 games).

“Arnette has the speed and frame for the cornerback position,” analyst Anthony Palacios from Last Word on Sports noted. “If Andy Reid and Steve Spagnuolo can unlock his potential, the Chiefs could gain a reliable backup at minimal cost.”

The Chiefs’ secondary is anchored by Trent McDuffie, one of the NFL’s top cornerbacks, but depth players like Kristian Fulton (signed to a 2-year, $20 million deal) and Joshua Williams have shown inconsistency. Arnette, leveraging his Ohio State experience and recent UFL showings, is expected to compete for the CB3 or CB4 role while contributing to special teams.

Fan Reactions and Outlook

The signing of Arnette sparked mixed reactions on X. Some Chiefs fans, like @ChiefsFan4Ever, are optimistic: “If Reid sees something in Arnette, I trust he can make it work!” Others, like @KCGridiron, remain skeptical: “Arnette had his shot and flopped. Chiefs should focus on rookies instead.”

With a powerhouse roster led by Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Chris Jones, the Chiefs are aiming to defend their AFC title and return to the Super Bowl after falling to the Eagles in Super Bowl LIX. If Arnette seizes this opportunity, he could become an inspiring redemption story, proving he belongs in the NFL after his early struggles with the Raiders.

Looking Ahead

As OTAs continue and training camp approaches in July 2025, Arnette will compete with young cornerbacks like D.J. Humphrey (2025 second-round pick) and Chamarri Conner for a spot on the 53-man roster. Head coach Andy Reid, known for revitalizing the careers of struggling players, is expected to guide Arnette toward rediscovering his form.

Can Damon Arnette turn this opportunity into a career-defining moment? Chiefs fans at Arrowhead Stadium are eager to see if he can deliver when the 2025 season kicks off.