The Gamblers/Roughnecks franchise has gone through a massive facelift since their inception in 2022. From Clayton Thorson to Kenji Bahar, with sprinkles of Terry Wilson, Montell Cozart, along with the 2024 trio of Reid Sinnett, Nolan Henderson, and Jarrett Guarantano, it appears that Houston thought they had their guy in NFL veteran Anthony Brown in 2024, however Curtis Johnson would need some dumb luck before the team struck oil with a possible franchise QB.
After malingering with Brown, the Roughnecks received a spark in Nolan Henderson who’d be sidelined by a shoulder injury against the Stallions. In came Jalan McClendon who became a top-4 QB in the league once again providing quality Quarterback play in 2025 mirroring his season with the Vegas Vipers in 2023.
McClendon has been around the pro-circuit for a minute dating back to 2019. The former Baylor/NC State Alum has seen time with the Redskins, and Ravens before transitioning to Four seasons in spring football. Between the Wildcats, Vipers, Defenders and now Roughnecks McClendon has always entered the season as a secondary or tertiary option however, now looks to be “the guy” in Houston moving forward.
McClendon started a career high 6 games for the Roughnecks going 4-2 and arguably put together the most competent string of QB play the “Roughnecks/Gamblers” have seen since Jim Kelly. With Houston constantly struggling for relevance, McClendon instantly makes the Roughnecks competent and competitive moving into the 2026 season.
That doesn’t mean don’t count out Nolan Henderson as a high-end backup to return either. Henderson possesses a similar skill set to McClendon and could easily compliment him if injury strikes. With QB play always volatile in spring football, Henderson has done enough operating in Eric Price and Curtis Johnson’s system to remain employed if he so chooses this upcoming season.
That leaves Anthony Brown as possibly the odd man out with Houston possibly investing in a more youthful option at the position. I’ve championed for the Roughnecks to invest in Donovan Smith who played his college ball at the University of Houston. Years ago, DeAndre Johnson former New Jersey Generals QB would have been another option after spending 2019 at Texas Southern. Regardless, it’s clear that Brown has gone down path of so many “established” Quarterbacks in Spring Football have.
For the first time in since 2022, the Gamblers/Roughnecks do have some stability and direction at the position. With McClendon now penciled in as QB1 and Henderson at QB2, Curtis Johnson has the opportunity to utilize his 3rd Quarterback as a development guy, rather than the revolving door it’s been since his tenure began as Head Coach. With the season now over, Johnson, and GM Will Lewis will have plenty of time to reflect to hopefully build around McClendon for his first tenure as the undisputed QB1 in his career.
2 Comments
by 4th&long
Pretty much agree in full here. McClendon and Nolan are a good duo going into 2026, I hope they return as well. The 3rd can be that youthful option you point out.
I’m not anti CJ as HC. He’s now 5-5 in 2/3 spring seasons, with one crappy season. He’s got the experience and looks like he’s got his confidence back. We see what happens when a team goes through coaching chaos. The UFL and Houston are better with a solid albeit not remarkable HC.
by Miles Sherburne
Don’t need to go back as far as Jim Kelly. PJ Walker was 5-0 as Roughnecks QB in 2020