According to the Detroit Free Press’ Dave Birkett, the Indianapolis Colts are among the NFL suitors that have expressed initial interest in potentially signing former Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold, who was recently released by the Lions after being arrested—and still awaits trial on felony kidnapping and robbery charges:
“During that hearing (regarding an ankle monitor), Arnold’s agent, Nicole Lynn, said he had a workout with the Houston Texans on Thursday, July 9, and has another visit
scheduled with a team next week,” writes Birkett. “She said 4 teams have inquired about signing him: The Texans, New York Jets, Indianapolis Colts and Seattle Seahawks.“
Right now, per Birkett, he’s still being allowed by the presiding judge in this matter to play in the NFL as his case continues.
The Colts would likely have to perform their due diligence regarding what actually transpired, his background, and mental makeup to potentially consider signing him before he’s legally cleared of the charges in this case.
The former 24th overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Alabama by Detroit has started 24 games for the Lions over the past two seasons. Last year, the 23-year-old cornerback had 31 tackles (23 solo), 8 passes defensed, and an interception during 8 games (7 starts) before being shut down to a season-ending shoulder injury.
Per PFF (subscription), Arnold was only their 97 highest graded cornerback this past season out of 114 qualifying players at his position, earning just a +52.6 overall grade.
Like many top prospects, the Colts met with Arnold ahead of the 2024 NFL draft during their pre-draft evaluation process.
Although the Colts already have Sauce Gardner, Charvarious Ward, and Justin Walley as their top three cornerbacks, signing Arnold, if it all checks out beforehand, could be a move with the future in mind—as well as for additional immediate depth for Indy’s cornerback room.
While he has two years left on his current Colts contract, the 31-year-old Ward has battled re-occurring lingering concussions recently, and even contemplated retirement earlier this offseason. When fully healthy, he’s still really good, but it wouldn’t be surpring if he’s playing on a year-to-year basis at this point, given his concerning head injury history as of late.
Arnold hasn’t played up to his draft pedigree recently, but he’s still young and the thought is he could only improve—but big questions regarding his future playing career remain given his current legal situation.
