On Monday, former Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold cleared waivers, as expected. The Lions’ 2024 first-round pick was arrested in June and faces eight felony charges from a February incident that includes kidnapping and armed robbery allegations.
Last week, Arnold posted a $1 million bond, and he is now released under the condition that he not contact any co-defendants or witnesses in his case, forfeits his passport, and strictly stays at home and at work functions. Prosecutors are seeking
that Arnold wear an ankle bracelet now that he is unemployed. That hearing is scheduled for Friday.
After clearing waivers, Arnold is a free agent who can sign with any team he pleases, but it’s unclear how likely that is. According to his attorney, three teams have already reached out to Arnold. However, it’s possible he ends up on the Commissioner’s Exempt List, which would prohibit him from practicing or playing with any NFL team. Would any team be willing to take on that risk and the distraction of Arnold’s ongoing court case? We shall see.
As for the Lions, they have yet to make any corresponding move to replace Arnold’s spot on the roster. Detroit has yet to make any sort of public statement on the Arnold situation, other than a boilerplate PR response shortly after his arrest.
“We are aware of the legal situation regarding Terrion Arnold. We will not comment at this time out of respect for the ongoing legal process.”
Detroit has internal options to replace Arnold in the starting lineup, including Rock Ya-Sin and Ennis Rakestraw. Although they may be wise to use the roster spot to add some competition to the position.
