On Tuesday, the Houston Roughnecks landed an impressive defensive signing; bringing in DB Leon O’Neal – the former Texas A&M standout.
Breaking: The Houston Roughnecks are signing DB Leon O'Neal, per source.
O'Neal played his college ball at Texas A&M, totaling 161 tackles, a sack, & 6 INT's. He's had an NFL stint with the #49ers, and CFL opportunities with the Elks & Roughriders. #UFL pic.twitter.com/ZZTTCQjoBU
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) January 29, 2025
Leon O’Neal is a needed addition to this Roughnecks secondary, one that’s seen some changes this offseason. Houston traded away Kiondre Thomas, and also opted not to re-sign Jimmy Moreland. Both were starters this past year.
Enter Leon O’Neal. Leon played his college football at Texas A&M, serving as a starter for a few years. He immediately made an impact as a freshman, with 14 tackles and an interception. His role grew over the seasons, and Leon ended up posting a solid 58 tackles, five PBU’s, and two interceptions as a senior. That year, he had an 85 yard pick six.
1️⃣1️⃣ Days until @AggieFootball
Leon O’Neal takes it 8️⃣5️⃣ yards for a pick six against Kent State in the 2021 season opener @WakeEmUp9 pic.twitter.com/MZsY6caIzb
— Ryan Baker (@rbaker2030) August 23, 2023
Leon was picked up by the San Francisco 49ers as an UDFA in 2022, remaining there for a few months. After his release due to injury, he made his way up north to the CFL, with the Roughriders. This then led to an IFL opportunity with the Pirates – but Leon was suspended by the league for interacting with a fan during a game.
This past year, Leon was back in the CFL, with the Edmonton Elks. He recorded 35 tackles on the year, alongside seven tackles on special teams.
Now, he’s been brought in by GM Will Lewis to Houston – a team that’s looking to rewrite their story in 2025.
Cuts From St. Louis & San Antonio
The San Antonio Brahmas have cut WR Aaron Nelson & DB Tyler Boatwright.
Both were offseason additions for the @XFLBrahmas. Nelson previously spent time with the #Roughnecks. Tyler was a CCSU standout who had stints with the Jets & Giants. #UFL
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) January 29, 2025
Tuesday also saw St. Louis and San Antonio make a couple of cuts. The Brahmas have released WR Aaron Nelson, and DB Tyler Boatwright. Both were offseason additions to the roster. Nelson previously spent time with the Roughnecks, in 2023.
Boatwright, on the other hand, was a rookie looking to find his footing in pro football, after minicamp stints with the Giants and Jets. It’s a shame to see Tyler cut, as he was on the roster since July. We’re told he was let go due to Greedy Williams joining the roster.
The St. Louis Battlehawks have cut S Nico Bolden.
Nico was an @XFLBattlehawks camp cut who was brought back during the season – immediately making an impact by blocking a punt in their week five win over DC.
Had 11 tackles this past #UFL season.
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) January 29, 2025
Additionally, the St. Louis Battlehawks cut safety Nico Bolden. Bolden was cut in Training Camp by St. Louis – but was brought back midway through the year, and made an impact quickly by blocking a punt in their week five win over DC. Nico was originally re-signed by St. Louis a couple of months ago, but now gets the axe prior to Training Camp.
What are your thoughts on Leon O’Neal signing with the Houston Roughnecks? Where would you like to see these cuts land in the UFL, if anywhere? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
