Free agent cornerback Terrion Arnold concluded his visit with the New York Giants without a contract, but the team has not ruled out a potential signing. Head coach John Harbaugh stated that the organization is actively seeking players who can improve the team, even as Arnold faces felony kidnapping and robbery charges.
"We want to be aggressive in every way, find everything out we can about any situation or player that can help us be better," Harbaugh said Wednesday. "The margins are tight in the NFL when you try to win a game. We’re looking for players that can help us all the time. He’s a player that can help us."
Arnold, 23, was released by the Detroit Lions after being charged. Prosecutors allege he orchestrated the kidnapping and assault of three men whom he suspected of stealing $100,000. Arnold denies the charges, which could carry a life sentence if he is convicted.
Harbaugh acknowledged the complexities of the situation, noting that the legal process can be lengthy. "The legal process could take years and then his career is gone," Harbaugh said. "You have to decide, where does the legal process stand. What are you really talking about here? You have to make a judgment along those lines."
The Giants' front office is responsible for thoroughly vetting players in such circumstances. Harbaugh expressed confidence in their diligence, stating, "That’s something that the organization has studied very deeply. I have an overview of it. If there is a decision to be made on any player that, ‘You don’t want to go there with a player,’ then this organization won’t go there. It’s more than what you just read in the papers, though."
Harbaugh also drew a parallel to the team's past decision regarding cornerback DeAndre Baker, a 2019 first-round pick who was cut after facing armed robbery charges in 2020. Baker later joined the Chiefs after his charges were dismissed.
If Arnold were to sign with the Giants, the NFL could place him on the commissioner's exempt list, preventing him from playing while his legal proceedings unfold. "You try to do the best you can to anticipate what that might be and see if it’s worth it," Harbaugh said. "There’s risk-reward."