It’s been six days since the Seahawks reached an agreement to sign cornerback Terrion Arnold. They’ve yet to sign him.
Now that the Seahawks have signed cornerback Trevon Diggs, it’s more than fair to wonder whether the Seahawks will ever be consummating the Arnold deal.
As one league source explains it — and as comments from G.M. John Schneider in the second episode of Hard Knocks made clear — the Seahawks believed when they reached an agreement with Arnold that he’d be available to participate in practices and games in the preseason. The Seahawks have since learned that he won’t be available to do anything if/when he’s signed, since he’ll immediately be placed on paid leave.
So where’s the benefit in signing him? Yes, they’d secure dibs on his rights if/when he’s cleared to play. But they could always sign him later, once the eight felony charges are resolved and Arnold can return to the league.
At this point, they’re kicking the can. It’s possible that they’re simply waiting until the preseason ends, when they’d cut a player and put Arnold on the 90-man roster until he’s sent to the Commissioner Exempt list. Even then, Arnold wouldn’t be available to play until he’s removed from paid leave, and until he serves any suspension that could be added to the time he misses with pay.
It’s unknown when the criminal case will end. His next court appearance is set for October 5, and there’s no trial date. It’s hard to imagine the case ending before the conclusion of the 2026 season, if it goes to a full-blown trial.
A plea deal is always possible. But the league would then figure out Arnold’s punishment, if any, after the plea is finalized. Is it possible he’d be available late in the season? Sure. Again, they could sign him then, without paying him until that day arrives.
Of course, Arnold could choose if/when he’s cleared to return to sign with another team. That’s the biggest risk the Seahawks would take if they don’t sign him. With the date on which the Seahawks would realize a reward for having Arnold on the team currently murky at best, they may decide to save the money they’d spend on paying Arnold to not play and wait to sign him once he’s able to practice and play.
Again, Schneider called the allegations as outlined by The Athletic “very shocking.” No amount of references from Nick Saban or former teammates will change the possibility that prosecutors will prove Arnold’s guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
If that happens, Arnold may not be available to play for the Seahawks or anyone else. Ever.