The Seattle Seahawks are still planning to sign free-agent cornerback Terrion Arnold, but are working through timing that could delay an agreement being signed, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo.
The 2024 first-round pick will be placed on the commissioner's exempt list when he signs, meaning he will be ineligible to play or practice, Rapoport and Garafolo add. The 23-year-old would be eligible to attend meetings and be paid.
Arnold is facing eight felony charges stemming from allegations that he orchestrated the abduction and beating of three men in February, according to the Associated Press. Florida prosecutors allege that Arnold arranged for the men to be pistol-whipped after he mistakenly suspected them of stealing $100,000 in cash and luxury items from him.
Arnold has pleaded not guilty and, through legal representation, has denied the allegations. He faces four counts of kidnapping and four counts of armed robbery, which carry a potential sentence of life in prison.
The Seahawks reportedly intend to sign Arnold after bringing the cornerback in for a visit earlier this month. Head coach Mike Macdonald was cautiously optimistic about the tryout.
"It's a situation where there's other things surrounding it as well, we're aware of that," Macdonald said after the workout, per the Associated Press. "We're working through the situation right now. I enjoyed meeting him and he enjoyed being here. We'll see how it goes."
Arnold's addition would bolster the Seahawks' bid for a second consecutive league title after winning Super Bowl LX last season. Seattle's defense allowed 17.2 points per game last season. The Alabama product would join a secondary that features Devon Witherspoon and Nick Emmanwori.
Arnold was originally arrested in June as a member of the Detroit Lions, who drafted him in the first round in 2024. The Lions released Arnold the following week.
