Sources: Arnold picks Seahawks amid legal issues
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- Terrion Arnold plans to sign a one-year deal with the Seahawks after the Detroit Lions released him earlier this summer; the Lions drafted him No. 24 overall in 2024 and he played only eight games last season before a shoulder injury required surgery.
- Arnold, 23, faces eight felony charges — four counts of kidnapping and four counts of armed robbery, carrying a potential sentence of life in prison — after prosecutors say he orchestrated the kidnapping and beating of three men he wrongly suspected of stealing $100,000 in cash and luxury watches and bags; he has pleaded not guilty.
- Arnold was arrested in Hillsborough County in June after turning himself in, posted a $1 million bond, and is scheduled for a disposition hearing Oct. 5 with no trial date set.
- The Seahawks project Arnold as a candidate for their No. 3 cornerback role behind Devon Witherspoon and Josh Jobe, though he could be placed on the NFL commissioner's exempt list barring him from playing or practicing while the league reviews his case.
- Seattle's interest in Arnold was documented on Hard Knocks Episode 2, which showed his workout and a scene of GM John Schneider discussing potential blowback with front-office colleagues about signing a player facing legal issues.
- Coach Mike Macdonald confirmed the visit Monday, calling it "a great visit" and saying the team was "working through the situation," while DBs coach Karl Scott — who recruited Arnold to Alabama — and backup QB Jalen Milroe, a former Crimson Tide teammate, are existing Seattle connections.
- Before choosing Seattle, Arnold worked out for the team Sunday and met with the Houston Texans, New Orleans Saints, and New York Giants.
Why it matters: The signing gives Seattle a former first-round talent but puts the NFL in a position to decide whether to invoke the commissioner's exempt list for a 23-year-old facing eight felonies that carry a potential life sentence; the Seahawks' cornerback depth is thin after losing Riq Woolen in free agency and watching third-round rookie Julian Neal work back from an undisclosed injury.
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