In the frenzy that is currently UFL free agency, the Houston Roughnecks made another interesting move. The team claimed QB Reid Sinnett from the San Antonio Brahmas, and released QB Kenji Bahar – who was their starter in 2023.
Breaking: The Houston Roughnecks have released starting QB Kenji Bahar, and picked up QB Reid Sinnett off of waivers from San Antonio.
Sinnett played for the Brahmas last year, and had an NFL stint with the Bengals following.
Interesting turn of events in Houston. #UFL pic.twitter.com/vPqGPxfvF1
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) January 25, 2024
This one is a bit of a shocker. The Roughnecks had originally protected Kenji Bahar through the dispersal process, which made sense. He did, in fact, start in nine games for the team in 2023 (as the Gamblers), helping lead the team to a 5-5 record as they fell just short of the postseason.
In 2023, Bahar made some major leaps as the starter. He finished the year with 1,712 passing yards and eight TD’s, but did struggle with turnovers, throwing nine interceptions. He also had a crucial fumble in an important week nine matchup against Birmingham.
This is the Kenji Bahar we've been waiting to see in the #USFL this season.
Drops a dime to Justin Hall for the TD, and just like that we're tied up at half time. If @KBahar11 can consistently sling it as he did on that final drive, look out.pic.twitter.com/0GK33T2Ine
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) April 22, 2023
That being said, Kenji’s decision making looked better in season two, and one would expect another team to give him a look off of waivers.
Reid Sinnett In Houston
Meanwhile, Reid Sinnett now brings even more depth to Curtis Johnson’s QB room. Sinnett spent the 2023 XFL season with the San Antonio Brahmas, serving as Jack Coan’s backup. He finally was given an opportunity to start in week five – and looked solid – but an ankle injury ended his season short.
At the end of the first quarter, we got the lead 7-3. 😏
This update has been brought to you by @uthealthsa #XFL2023 | #HornsForward pic.twitter.com/faFestw8P1
— San Antonio Brahmas (@XFLBrahmas) March 20, 2023
Following his XFL campaign, Sinnett had an opportunity with the Cincinnati Bengals in the wake of Joe Burrow’s injury. After becoming a free agent once again, Reid had just signed back to San Antonio a few days ago, and now moves to Houston amidst the waiver cycle.
Reid is a talented quarterback, one who’s spent some time in the NFL on various teams. He had an excellent senior college season at San Diego, tossing 32 touchdowns alongside 3,528 yards. Now, he’ll look to make noise in training camp – in a quarterback room that is much different in Houston.
Final Thoughts
General Manager Lionel Vital has completed the process of cleaning house with the Roughnecks. Houston now features three brand new signal callers, as the team recently signed Jarrett Guarantano, and Nolan Henderson.
After a 5-5 record in the USFL in 2023, the Roughnecks are determined to break the barrier and make the postseason this year. With their OPOY in Mark Thompson slated to return as well, things are looking brighter every day for The Rig in Houston.
What are your thoughts on Reid Sinnett finding a new home with the Roughnecks? Is releasing Kenji Bahar the right move? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
