The Seattle Seahawks have agreed to a contract with ex-Lions corner Terrion Arnold even though there are 8 felony charges against the first-round pick that carry the potential for life in prison.
Coach Mike Macdonald spoke on the signing Friday, stating, “We feel that we have fully researched him throughout the (2024 NFL Draft) process and came away very impressed with Terrion the football player.”
Arnold is facing four counts of kidnapping and four counts of robbery with a firearm or deadly weapon after he is alleged to have organized three men to assault three men he thought were responsible for stealing thousands of dollars in watches and merchandise. The four men attacked the three individuals in February.
Arnold has pleaded not guilty. His former team, the Lions, cut ties after he was arrested, and he was deemed available for NFL activities while the case proceeds.
Macdonald also spoke about the seriousness of the legal charges. “We felt that we have done our due diligence,” Macdonald stated, but would say “we really are deferring comment” about the case.
Along with talking to people with knowledge of Arnold, those same people provided an overall positive reaction to Arnold. Macdonald thinks Arnold brings a great physicality and energy to a secondary that was lacking it so far this year.
The problem is, though, that Arnold may not even be available for this season or the next. His first court appearance is scheduled for October 5 th, while the NFL also may step in with punishment.
