Seahawks reportedly close on one-year deal with cornerback Terrion Arnold amid felony charges

Cornerback Terrion Arnold, a 2024 first-round pick released by the Detroit Lions after being charged with multiple felonies, is expected to sign a one-year contract with the Seattle Seahawks, sources told NFL reporters on Thursday. Arnold, 23, is awaiting a disposition hearing on Oct. 5 for four kidnapping and four armed-robbery counts tied to a February incident in Tampa, Florida. He pleaded not guilty and has denied the allegations through his representatives.

Seattle’s interest was confirmed after Arnold worked out for the team on Sunday, following visits with the Houston Texans, New Orleans Saints and New York Giants. Coach Mike Macdonald said the Seahawks were impressed with the visit, adding that the organization is aware of the surrounding legal issues and is working through them.

"It's enough right now that we had him in for a great visit, a great tryout. 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."

The team may place Arnold on the NFL commissioner’s exempt list, which would prevent him from playing or practicing while the league investigates, though he could still attend meetings and receive pay. General manager John Schneider discussed the potential reputational impact of signing a player with ongoing legal proceedings during a recent episode of "Hard Knocks."

Arnold’s Seattle connections include defensive backs coach Karl Scott, who recruited him to Alabama, and quarterback Jalen Milroe, a former college teammate. The Seahawks currently have Noah Igbinoghene and Nehemiah Pritchett competing for the No. 3 cornerback spot behind Devon Witherspoon and Josh Jobe, with rookie Julian Neal returning from injury.

Arnold appeared in eight games last season, limited by a shoulder injury that required surgery, and has recorded one interception and 18 passes defensed in 24 career games.