The Seattle Seahawks have signed cornerback Terrion Arnold, who was released by the Detroit Lions in June after facing felony charges. Arnold, a first-round pick by the Lions in 2024, was arrested in Tampa, Florida, on felony charges connected to an alleged robbery and kidnapping incident from February.
Arnold visited Seattle earlier this week, and the Seahawks' general manager, John Schneider, had previously discussed the potential of adding him to the roster during HBO's "Hard Knocks." Head coach Mike Macdonald described Arnold's tryout as "great," while acknowledging awareness of the surrounding circumstances. "It’s a situation where there’s other things that are surrounding it. We’re aware of that. But we’re working through the situation right now. But it was a great visit. I really enjoyed meeting him, and I think he enjoyed being here, so we’ll see where it goes," Macdonald told reporters.
Arnold faces eight felony charges, with prosecutors alleging he orchestrated the abduction and beating of three men. He is described as the "primary conspirator" in the incident, and his bail was set at $1 million. Arnold's attorney, R. Timothy Jansen, has stated his client will "absolutely deny these allegations," and his agency, EAG Sports Management, claims there is "no credible evidence" against him. In March, Lions head coach Dan Campbell indicated the team did not believe Arnold was involved based on the information available at the time.
No trial date has been set for Arnold's case. The charges carry a potential sentence of up to life in prison. The NFL will need to determine if Arnold should be placed on the commissioner's exempt list. His signing by a team indicates a belief that he may be free to play at some point this season.
Arnold was expected to be a starting cornerback for the Lions. He played in eight games last season due to a shoulder injury requiring surgery, recording his first career interception. During his rookie season in 2024, he played 16 games, with 10 passes defended and 60 combined tackles.