Why Seahawks plan to sign Terrion Arnold months after arrest on robbery, kidnapping charges

Why Seahawks plan to sign Terrion Arnold months after arrest on robbery, kidnapping charges originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Terrion Arnold found a new NFL home on Thursday, although it's unclear when — or if — he'll ever be able to don his new colors.

The Seahawks are planning on signing Arnold, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, attempting to add the former first-round pick to a secondary already teeming with All-Pro talent.

Arnold, selected by the Lions with the No. 24 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, was released on June 29, four days after being arrested in connection with an alleged armed robbery and kidnapping that took place in February. The 23-year-old faces eight felony charges related to the incident. All of his charges carry maximum sentences of life in prison.

Here's what we know about Seattle's decision to agree to terms with the Alabama product.

MORE: Terrion Arnold charges, explained

Why do the Seahawks plan to sign Terrion Arnold?

Seattle brought in Arnold for a workout earlier in training camp. Clips of the Arnold's workout session were included in Episode 2 of Hard Knocks. Earlier in the episode, Seahawks general manager John Schneider mulled bringing Arnold into Seattle's ranks.

Terrion Arnold’s workout with the Seahawks was shown on Episode 2 of Hard Knocks. Earlier in the episode, GM John Schneider was shown in his office discussing the idea of bringing him in.

Seattle has now done just that, adding the former first-round pick. pic.twitter.com/koT5OpNOM1

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 13, 2026

The Seahawks' decision to offer Arnold a contract appears to suggest that the organization has faith that he will be cleared of all or most of his charges and avoid both a prison sentence and a lengthy ban. The upside of bringing in Arnold, a former first-round pick who started all but two games he was available for during his first two seasons, looks to have been too much for Seattle to pass up, at least in the eyes of its front office.

Arnold is twitchy, agile, aggressive and fast. His hands are quick and strong, allowing him to rack up pass deflections thus far in his career. If Arnold shakes free of his legal troubles, he could represent an astute addition for the league's best defense. That is a monumental if, however. As Schefter notes, the 23-year-old's charges could land him on the Commissioner's Exempt List, preventing him from taking part in practices or games until his case is settled.

Projected Seahawks CB depth chart