The Houston Roughnecks were another team who decided to get their cuts out of the way earlier this week. With nine days left in UFL Training Camp, the team has their 50 man roster set – at least for now.
Per @UFL_PR, the Houston Roughnecks cut the following players:
TE Rodell Rahmaan
OL Robert Myers
OT Jair Joseph
OT Marcus Tatum
DT Jeffrey Johnson
DE Isaiah Chambers
LB Ayinde "Ace" Eley
S Manny BunchThe @XFLRoughnecks roster now sits at 50 players for the #UFL season.
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) March 21, 2024
Just like the Arlington Renegades, there were some surprises in this batch as well. Let’s get into it.
Offensive Cuts
TE Rodell Rahmaan
OL Robert Myers
OT Jair Joseph
OT Marcus Tatum
Rodell Rahmaan was with the Houston Gamblers last year, seeing action in four games. He finished the year with three catches for 15 yards. Rahmaan is primarily a blocking tight end, who did quite a bit of that with Mark Thompson running the football in Houston. With a crowded TE room, the Roughnecks simply couldn’t roster everyone.
Jair Joseph was also part of the Gamblers last year, playing in four games. Robert Myers and Marcus Tatum were offseason additions, from the Breakers and Generals. Houston’s emphasis on quality offensive lineman has led to the team making a few tough cuts in this category.
Defensive Cuts
DT Jeffrey Johnson
DE Isaiah Chambers
LB Ayinde “Ace” Eley
S Manny Bunch
It’s really unfortunate to see Isaiah Chambers and Manny Bunch on this list of cuts for Houston. The two were sensational in the USFL last year with the Gamblers. Chambers led the USFL with 11 tackles for loss, and was a force defensively throughout the entire year.
Manny Bunch, on the other hand, was named to the All-USFL team last year. He’s been a staple of this Gamblers defense for the past two years – starting nine games in 2023. Bunch finished the year with 54 tackles, two sacks, and an interception.
Jeffrey Johnson was a USFL College Draft pick back in 2023, and ended up signing with Houston during the season. He posted four tackles last year. Meanwhile, Ayinde Eley was a new addition, joining the team prior to Training Camp. Eley is a talented linebacker, one who should see another opportunity sooner than later.
Final Thoughts
It’s worth noting that HC Curtis Johnson and GM Lionel Vital might not be done yet making moves. During media availability yesterday, Johnson stated that the team will be looking at the waiver wire and evaluating cuts made by other organizations.
Roughnecks HC gave a hint that a DB would be cut in the media call.
He stated that he wasn't totally satisfied with the secondary group they have. Just a short few hours after this they submitted their cut downs that included star safety Manny Bunch.
He also brings up that they… pic.twitter.com/FNRJRzSH20
— Ace: United Football Media VP of Content (@AceUFM) March 21, 2024
In other news, the Roughnecks named their starting QB. Jarrett Guarantano will take first team reps during their home opener on March 31st against the Memphis Showboats.
Breaking: Head Coach Curtis Johnson has just named QB Jarrett Guarantano as the starting quarterback for week one in the #UFL.
Guarantano was an offseason signing for Houston. According to Johnson, Nolan Henderson will be QB2, and Reid Sinnett will be QB3. pic.twitter.com/w3oR9Neqal
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) March 20, 2024
What are your thoughts on these cuts for the Houston Roughnecks? Will they bring any of these players back? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
