With the Houston Roughnecks beginning to re-sign players this week, it was only a matter of time before QB Jalan McClendon was brought back. A league source confirmed to Pro Football Newsroom that the standout signal caller has re-signed with the Roughnecks.
Jalan McClendon has had an interesting journey in spring ball. He is the definition of a “journeyman”, never finding a true home until landing in Houston last year.
Jalan spent a bit of time with the LA Wildcats in 2020, and then finally got a chance to start for the first time since his college days with the XFL’s Vegas Vipers in 2023. He went into that season as QB3, but took over down the stretch of the year with Luis Perez departing for Arlington.
During the USFL-XFL Dispersal Draft process, Jalan was picked up by the DC Defenders. He spent the 2024 UFL season as QB2/QB3, seeing a bit of action late in the year. McClendon was traded to Houston in the offseason, for CB Kiondre Thomas.
Even though Jalan McClendon was named QB3 by Head Coach C.J. Johnson heading into the UFL’s 2025, he quickly proved why he deserved to win the job in camp. Jalan took over in week four due to an injury to Nolan Henderson, plus the benching of Anthony Brown.
McClendon’s remarkable arm talent was on display right away. He nearly led Houston to a win over Birmingham in week four, before sending the Roughnecks on a two game winning streak to get them to .500 for the first time since the 2023 season.
Jalan threw for 1,464 yards across seven games – tossing six touchdowns to three picks. Jalan completed 65.3% of his pass attempts in 2025, boasting accuracy and velocity that we hadn’t seen from any of the Roughnecks QB’s over the past couple of years.
His poise, confidence, and ability to lead brought an entire new dynamic to Houston’s offense. Not to mention, he’s someone who can make all the throws.
Speaking to multiple defensive coaches around the league, they all spoke highly of his arm talent – with some even saying that he’s got “an NFL-caliber arm”.
Now, General Manager Will Lewis brings Jalan back – which is no surprise. C.J. Johnson stated at the end of the season that he would lean on guys like McClendon this offseason, to build this franchise towards 2026.
Jalan is the fifth Roughnecks player to re-sign for 2026. WR’s Justin Hall & Emmanuel Butler, alongside LB J.T. Tyler and S Markel Roby have also extended their contracts for next season.
What are your thoughts on Jalan McClendon re-signing to Houston? Will they be a playoff team if he starts in all 10 games? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
