Seahawks face dilemma over signing cornerback Terrion Arnold amid pending felony charges
Seattle's plan to add free-agent Terrion Arnold is complicated by his criminal case, prompting the team to consider how to proceed with the contract.
The Seattle Seahawks are evaluating their options after announcing a deal with free-agent cornerback Terrion Arnold, who faces eight felony charges that could carry a life sentence. The team had expected Arnold to be available for preseason practice and games, but the legal situation prevents him from participating. Under league rules, Arnold would be placed on the Commissioner’s Exempt list if signed, making him ineligible to play.
Team officials must decide whether to honor the contract and pay Arnold without the ability to use him, or seek a way to terminate the agreement. If the Seahawks do not sign him, Arnold would remain under contract with the Detroit Lions, who would continue to pay his guaranteed salary for 2026 and 2027.
The situation arises as the Seahawks transition to new ownership under the Khosla family, adding pressure to avoid complications during the early tenure of the new management.