NFL free agent Terrion Arnold visits Seahawks and Saints amid felony charges
Arnold, who was released by Detroit in June, is permitted to travel for team visits under court order but must remain in Florida otherwise.
Former Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold is currently visiting the Seattle Seahawks, New Orleans Saints, and Houston Texans as a free agent, despite facing eight felony charges of kidnapping and armed robbery. The visits follow reports from CBS Sports and ESPN confirming the 23-year-old’s itinerary as he seeks a new team amidst ongoing legal proceedings.
Arnold was released by the Lions in June following his arrest, which stemmed from an incident in February in Largo, Florida. Police allege that after Arnold and his friends were robbed of approximately $250,000 in property, including $100,000 in cash and an $80,000 necklace, they retaliated by kidnapping and robbing three men. Investigators claim Arnold was the primary conspirator and watched the assault via a live stream, although he was not physically present. Arnold has categorically denied involvement in the allegations.
A significant development in the case occurred last month when Chief Judge Christopher C. Sabella denied the state’s request to keep Arnold in custody until trial. The ruling allows the former first-round pick to travel for work purposes, including team visits, but requires him to remain at home in Florida otherwise. This legal victory has enabled Arnold to field interest from multiple franchises, with his agent Nicole Lynn previously testifying that four teams had reached out to her client.
Arnold is scheduled to attend an arraignment hearing in Tampa, Florida, on 13 August, according to Fox Sports. During the hearing, Lynn expressed optimism regarding his professional future, stating there was a "very good likelihood" he would be signed within the next 45 days. The Indianapolis Colts and New York Jets were also among the teams that expressed interest, though it remains uncertain whether any side will proceed with a contract given the severity of the charges.
The legal situation involves serious violent crimes, which NFL teams are reportedly factoring into their vetting processes. Arnold faces the possibility of life in prison if convicted. Over two seasons with the Lions, he recorded 91 tackles, 18 passes defended, and one interception in 24 games. Six other suspects were arrested prior to Arnold, with five taken into custody in February and one in March.
