As part of their recent signings, the Houston Roughnecks re-signed two players – and brought in a familiar face for GM Will Lewis. JT Tyler and Markel Roby return to defense, while adding WR Carlos Carriere, who originally signed a letter of intent with the San Antonio Brahmas prior to the merger.

The #UFL has announced the following transactions pic.twitter.com/XKFlF0rH6S

— UFL Communications Department (@UFL_PR) 14 August 2024

WR Carlos Carriere

Carlos Carriere spent the first few years of his college career at Maryland. He was very successful in his senior year there, catching 24 passes for 316 yards and scoring five touchdowns. Carlos then transferred to Central Michigan and had an excellent senior season with 520 receiving yards and two touchdowns.

👏 @CMU_Football will be returned immediately!

Daniel Richardson ➡️ Carlos Carriere pic.twitter.com/X64Ie1iGFG

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) 1 September 2022

This led to some NFL interest in Carlos, as he was invited to the New York Giants’ rookie minicamp in 2023. After remaining a free agent, he eventually signed a letter of intent with San Antonio – only to have that opportunity scuttled by the merger. With Will Lewis back with Houston, it’s no surprise to see Carriere join that roster now.

LB JT Tyler

One of head coach CJ Johnson’s most productive players on defense was JT Tyler. He joined the Houston Gamblers in 2023 and made his professional debut in the USFL. That season, Tyler recorded 54 tackles and one interception and grew in his role on their defense throughout the year.

JT Tyler said NO! 💪

📺 @USANetwork pic.twitter.com/NaoTkq0ZCf

— Houston Gamblers (@USFLGamblers) May 28, 2023

See also

In 2024, JT started eight of 10 games with the Houston Roughnecks, totaling 52 tackles, one TFL, and two PBUs. Tyler fits DC Chris Wilson’s strategies perfectly, so his return for 2025 is great news for this defense.

S Markel Roby

Perhaps one of the most underrated playmakers in the UFL this year was Markel Roby. He joined the Roughnecks in the offseason and many would not have expected him to take off like he did this year.

Roby ultimately led all Roughnecks defenders with 58 tackles and tied for first in the UFL with three interceptions.

One of the unsung heroes of the @XFLRoughnecks Defence of this #UFL season was DB Markel Roby.@___Makaveli worked his way up to a starting position for Houston and led the team with 58 tackles this year. His three interceptions are the best in the league after 10 games… pic.twitter.com/7bcitzNlaA

— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) June 3, 2024

Markel Roby has been as consistent as can be and has gotten better every week. He has been flying around and making plays every game, recording one sack, one forced fumble and five PBUs in the UFL. He has started eight of 10 games this year and earned a positive defensive grade of 72.5 according to PFF. Roby is someone who definitely has NFL potential and with another year of spring ball ahead of him, could make the jump after a successful 2025 season.

Final thoughts

The Houston Roughnecks aren’t going to slow down anytime soon in free agency. GM Will Lewis has done wonders since acquiring Lionel Vital, rebuilding the roster from the ground up. Houston’s 1-9 record in 2024 is something this organization doesn’t want to repeat, and they’re cleaning up – while keeping some of the key players like Roby, Tyler, Emmanuel Butler, and others.

What do you think about Carlos Carriere signing with Houston? Will Roby and Tyler start for the Roughnecks again next year? Let us know in the comments below or join the conversation on Discord!