It looks like former first-round pick Terrion Arnold will finally be able to continue his career in the National Football League, as reports on Thursday indicated that he is expected to sign with the Seattle Seahawks.
Arnold was drafted No. 24 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions and was viewed as a promising piece for them, as he was a day-one starter, starting 22 out of 24 total games across two seasons.
Heading into his third NFL season, everything took a turn as Arnold was released on June 29 following his arrest on June 24, pending felony charges.
Now, Arnold looks to wipe the slate clean and contribute to the reigning Super Bowl champions, who boast a daunting defense that is only looking to get better.
Arnold visited the Seahawks on August 9 and had a great showing. Head coach Mike Macdonald spoke about Arnold’s visit during media availability on Monday, stating, “It’s enough right now that we had him in for a great visit, a great tryout. It’s a situation where there are 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.” Arnold’s workout was also featured on Episode 2 of Hard Knocks, as the Seahawks are actively being featured on the show.
Arnold previously took visits with the Houston Texans in July, the New Orleans Saints, the New York Giants, and Seahawks in August before reports indicated that the plan is to sign with Seattle.
On the bright side, Arnold will join not only one of the strongest teams in the NFL but will also be reunited with former Alabama teammate Robbie Ouzts and his best friend Jalen Milroe.
Milroe and Arnold joined the Capstone in 2021, quickly forming a strong, brotherly bond. In 2024, the two created the famous “LANK” mantra, meaning “Let All Naysayers Know” (or “Let a Naysayer Know”). This served as the team’s rallying cry as they overcame early-season doubts and later won the 2023 SEC Championship, upsetting top-ranked Georgia 27–24, capturing the Crimson Tide’s 30th conference title, and snapping Georgia’s 29-game winning streak.
An NFL reunion with his best friend and joining the reigning Super Bowl champs seems like a nice deal for Arnold. The deal is pending finalization and potential NFL disciplinary review, but a contract could potentially be done soon. However, Arnold still has a long road ahead, as he is still facing eight felony charges. Arnold was arraigned on Thursday, and his next court hearing is scheduled for October 5.
Until then, his fate is in the hands of the league office. Arnold could be placed on the Commissioner Exempt list immediately, or the NFL could wait until preseason ends or choose not to place him on the list at all.
If the league chooses to do so, Arnold will be granted a special paid leave status used in unusual circumstances, such as serious off-field criminal charges or legal trouble. It also allows teams to remove an accused player from their 53-man active roster while the legal process moves forward.
Should Arnold be permitted to play in the preseason, this indicates that he will likely be placed on the Commissioner Exempt list after preseason concludes, preventing him from practicing with the team and playing in games.
Arnold is represented by agent Nicole Lynn of Klutch Sports, a top figure in the sports world known for negotiating lucrative deals. She negotiated Arnold’s rookie deal, which was a four-year contract worth about $14.3 million with the Lions.
While the official contract details have yet to be announced, reports suggest Seattle is expected to sign him to a one-year deal.
Stay tuned to SneeshSports for all updates.