Every week, the Houston Roughnecks continue to make moves. Earlier this week, the team signed Kirk Merritt and Sean Brown, while releasing six players. Now, they’ve agreed to terms with four more players for 2025.
The #UFL has announced the following transactions pic.twitter.com/KNUGJThAxT
— UFL Communications Department (@UFL_PR) August 20, 2024
It’s been a busy offseason for new General Manager Will Lewis. This organization isn’t taking any time off, looking to completely remake this roster for 2025.
RB T.J. Pledger
T.J. Pledger joined Houston in 2023, when they were still under the USFL’s branding as the Gamblers. That season, he made an impact early with Mark Thompson injured, finishing the year with 197 yards and three touchdowns.
Really impressive start to this game for T.J. Pledger. Already has two touchdowns on the day for the @USFLGamblers, as Houston is in business!
With Mark Thompson's absence, @uno_tj is making a major impact. #USFLpic.twitter.com/p3qCBeEQxx
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) April 16, 2023
Pledger came over to the Roughnecks with C.J. Johnson, and started in seven of nine games played this year. He rushed for 253 yards in 2024, averaging 3.3 yards per carry. After two seasons in Johnson’s offense, T.J. Pledger now returns for another campaign in 2025. With Thompson being released, and Merritt back in action, expect Pledger and Merritt to be the one-two punch next year barring any changes.
TE Cary Angeline
Interestingly enough, the Roughnecks have picked up Cary Angeline, who hasn’t played in the spring football scene for a couple of years. Angeline was with the Birmingham Stallions in 2022, playing in six games – making three starts. Cary posted 159 yards and a touchdown that year.
Cary Angeline scores a TD in the first ever USFL game for the Birmingham Stallions. Obviously have to make it a #PackPros moment. pic.twitter.com/Jd8mdAxCqM
— Cory Smith (@RCorySmith) April 17, 2022
Since then, Angeline has remained a free agent. He actually had signed a LOI with San Antonio last year, when Lewis was still the GM there. This move is a bit interesting though, as it’s tough to see Cary bringing a new element to the offense that wasn’t already present with Braedon Bowman and Woody Brandom – two TE’s the team released last month.
OL/C Saige Young
Saige Young has some professional spring ball experience, starting with The Spring League, as he played with the Sea Lions during the 2021 season. Young joined the New Jersey Generals in the USFL in 2023, starting in three of eight games played. In the USFL, he played primarily at right guard – but Saige has had experience at Center in the past. He’s a versatile lineman who brings some depth to the team for Training Camp.
DT Glen Logan
Glen Logan had a rather interesting journey to the Houston Roughnecks, twice. He began his spring career in the XFL, with the Houston Roughnecks in 2023. That year, Logan posted 16 tackles and 1.5 sacks – starting in five of 11 games played.
The second round pick for the @XFLRoughnecks is Glen Logan. #UFLDraft | #UFL pic.twitter.com/GVYu6UgoXe
— United Football League (@TheUFL) January 15, 2024
When the Houston Gamblers took on the Roughnecks branding, Logan got picked up by C.J. Johnson & Co. during the Dispersal Draft process. So while he’s been with the Roughnecks for two years, the teams were completely different from each other. In 2024, Logan didn’t make any starts, but saw action in every game – finishing with 11 tackles.
Final Thoughts
Something that Will Lewis has focused on, is bringing back players he had signed to LOI’s – or simply had on the roster – with San Antonio. After a 1-9 record in 2024, it’s clear that changes have to be made. So far, there have been some positive additions – but also some questionable moves made. Time will tell if these actually play out the way Houston thinks they will.
What are your thoughts on Pledger and Logan returning to Houston? Will the Roughnecks utilize Angeline and Young this year? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
