In considering this move, John Schneider was preparing for controversy.
Cue the controversy.
The Seahawks are expected to sign free-agent cornerback and former Detroit Lions first-round draft choice Terrion Arnold in the coming days, an NFL source told The News Tribune Thursday afternoon.
The news comes on the same day Arnold was to be in a courtroom in Tampa, Florida, for a hearing for the eight felony charges against him related to a beating, burglary and kidnapping case from February there.
Arnold is free on $1 million bond. He tried out for the Seahawks at the team’s headquarters in Renton Sunday. He also visited the New Orleans Saints and New York Giants this week.
Coach Mike Macdonald envisions Arnold and three-time Pro Bowl selection Devon Witherspoon as 23- and 25-year-old starting cornerbacks who are first-round picks.
Schneider and his pro personnel staff have learned through their own investigation of Arnold’s situation that Arnold is likely to be able to play in preseason games the next three weeks.
Still to be determined: Whether the NFL and commissioner Roger Goodell will put him on his exempt list and effectively suspend Arnold until the legal authorities in Florida decide more of his case. Goodell has sweeping power to do that, even without a final legal resolution and such cases.
