Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider indicated that the team likely would have released cornerback Terrion Arnold had he been on the roster at the time of his arrest on charges of kidnapping and robbery earlier this summer. Schneider's comments were featured on the HBO show "Hard Knocks," which focused on the team's decision to sign Arnold.
During an exchange with special teams coordinator Jay Harbaugh, Schneider stated, "I think we probably would have had to let him go" if Arnold had been a member of the Seahawks when the alleged incident occurred. Harbaugh, son of Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh, inquired about the reasons for Arnold's release by the Detroit Lions, to which Schneider responded that the situation was "shocking" and referenced a negative article from The Athletic. Harbaugh then acknowledged the difference in situations for the team signing him versus a team releasing him, stating, "when you’re the team, it’s different than the second-chance team."
The Lions released Arnold in June following his arrest related to an alleged February incident. He faces charges that could result in a life sentence. Arnold was granted bail, allowing him to continue his NFL career while his legal case proceeds. The NFL has not announced whether it will impose supplementary discipline or provide a timeline for Arnold's arrival in Seattle. ESPN reported that Arnold is expected to be placed on the NFL commissioner's exempt list upon his official signing with the Seahawks. This designation would prevent him from playing or practicing while the league investigates, though he would still receive pay and be permitted to attend meetings. Arnold had reportedly visited with several NFL teams, including the Giants, Saints, and Texans, before the Seahawks' decision to sign him.
In related news, the Seahawks added former Pro Bowl defensive back Trevon Diggs on Wednesday, according to ESPN reports.