Terrion Arnold is no longer a member of the Detroit Lions, but that doesn’t mean the first-round pick has played his last snap in the NFL. Selected with the 24th-overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Alabama product immediately earned a starting job in Detroit’s secondary. While he never approached a Pro Bowl level of play, Arnold appeared to be a starting-caliber player who would have remained a key part of Detroit’s secondary, at least until the end of his rookie contract.
However, that plan came to a crashing halt when the cornerback was arrested and charged with multiple felonies following an alleged revenge kidnapping plot. The Lions recently released the embattled cornerback, and he has until July 6th to clear waivers. While he comes with an absurd amount of baggage, Arnold’s lawyer recently said that three teams have expressed interest in signing the former first-round pick. Only time will tell if he finds a new home, but it’s certainly interesting to see that he could earn another NFL opportunity this quickly.
Terrion Arnold Receiving NFL Interest After Lions Release
It’s safe to assume that nobody will claim Terrion Arnold on waivers, as doing that would mean taking on the guaranteed money associated with a first-round pick’s contract. However, once he clears waivers, the cornerback is free to sign with any team he desires. While Arnold’s lawyer didn’t reveal which three teams have contacted the Alabama product, the following organizations could use more help at the cornerback position.
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears made it to the NFC Divisional Round last year and narrowly missed out on a chance to play in the Championship Round, and it’s mostly thanks to the offense. Head coach Ben Johnson is one of the game’s best offensive minds, quarterback Caleb Williams had a breakout second season, and the depth of pass-catching weapons is second to none. The defense, however, could use some work. You can’t have too many reliable cornerbacks in today’s pass-heavy era of football, and Johnson should know exactly what Terrion Arnold can bring to the football field, seeing as the two spent time together with Detroit in 2024.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs had one of the NFL’s best cornerback duos last year, but now both Trent McDuffie and Jaylon Watson are playing for the Los Angeles Rams. While the team aggressively traded up to select LSU’s Mansoor Delane, one rookie cannot replace two above-average starters. The Chiefs already have an expensive roster, which means they may have no choice but to make a low-risk, medium-reward move for Terrion Arnold. While he comes with more than his fair share of off-field issues, Kansas City has proven time and time again that they’re willing to overlook this sort of thing if the on-field production justifies a roster spot. After all, they kept Tyreek Hill around for years and still employ Rashee Rice despite his legal woes.
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints are a team on the rise. While the jury is still out on whether second-round pick Tyler Shough is a legitimate franchise quarterback, the Louisville product looked like the real deal down the stretch. If he takes the Year 2 leap, this team has the potential win a wide-open NFC South. However, if they want to increase their odds of making the playoffs for the first time since Drew Brees called it a career, they should consider signing Terrion Arnold. Second-round pick Kool-Aid McKinstry is a solid starter, but this team needs to find an adequate CB2. Terrion Arnold could be that man and will help Kellen Moore’s squad compete for the division crown, and potentially a deep playoff run.
