The Houston Roughnecks have made another defensive move. Former New Jersey Generals LB D’Juan Hines has signed with the team, just a day after the Roughnecks added LB Christian Sam.
Breaking: The Houston Roughnecks are signing LB D'Juan Hines, per source.
Hines is a spring football vet, having played with the @USFLGenerals the last two years. Totaled 152 tackles & 1.5 sacks across that span.@XFLRoughnecks add some depth & playmaking defensively. #UFL pic.twitter.com/Xqvw3dI6tm
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) May 15, 2024
To be honest, it’s a surprise that D’Juan Hines has remained a free agent for this long. He went undrafted during the USFL Dispersal Draft process, and didn’t get picked up in the Super Draft either.
The reason why this was shocking is because Hines was fantastic with the New Jersey Generals. He was a starter within Ted Cotrell’s defense for a couple of years, totaling 152 tackles and 1.5 sacks across that span.
Free Agent Watch: LB D'Juan Hines | @USFLGenerals@BDJ_RunTellDat has been a tackling machine for New Jersey through two #USFL seasons, posting 152 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 1 INT, – & dozens of unrecorded hustle plays. An underrated linebacker who deserves another shot. #UFL pic.twitter.com/9eTJCRlepp
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) January 8, 2024
Hines started in nine of ten games for New Jersey during the 2023 season. He posted a 64.6 Defensive Grade, via PFF.
D’Juan is no stranger to the spring football scene. He played with the XFL’s New York Guardians in 2020, compiling 19 tackles and an interception.
⚠️TURNOVER⚠️ @XFLDefenders QB Cardale Jones is intercepted, for the first time this season, by former @UHCougarFB LB D'Juan Hines off the deflection for the @XFLGuardians!
(via @ABCNetwork)#XFL | #OnDuty pic.twitter.com/3eDhUUWR1t
— XFL Moment (@XFLMoment) February 15, 2020
During his time in the NFL with the Cleveland Browns, D’Juan had four tackles. He’s a veteran with a ton of professional experience, and now looks to bring those talents to the Houston Roughnecks for the final few games of the season.
Shamarious Gilmore Waived
The Houston Roughnecks have waived OT Shamarious Gilmore. Gilmore was a disappointment this year, just given his success with the Philadelphia Stars a year ago.
Houston picked up Shamarious during the Dispersal Draft process. He ended up appearing in two games, playing only 21 total snaps. He dealt with injuries throughout the year, and now his season seems to be coming to an end with a release.
Final Thoughts
As for the Houston Roughnecks and their playoff aspirations, they’re dead in the water. The team blew a nine point lead to San Antonio in the final moments, falling to 1-6. They are now eliminated from postseason contention.
Now, General Manager Lionel Vital will look to evaluate and reassess this roster as the regular season comes to a close. With three games left to play, one has to imagine that these players are going to be playing for their jobs for next season.
What are your thoughts on D’Juan Hines signing with the Houston Roughnecks? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
