Pro Football Rumors
Terrion Arnold initially seemed to be on track to remain with the Lions through training camp as his criminal case proceeded. On Monday, however, the former first-round cornerback was waived by Detroit.
Arnold’s Detroit tenure officially came to an end yesterday. He will remain on the waiver wire through to Monday, July 6. Teams could put in a claim at any time leading up to that date, with the 2026 draft order determining the priority for interested teams. Based on a statement from Arnold’s attorney, his next NFL opportunity could be in place shortly.
“Contrary to the state’s assertion, the circumstances underlying the court’s decision to deny the initial request [for a GPS ankle monitor] have not changed,” Harvey Steinberg wrote (via Mark Inabinett of AL.com) in his objection to the renewed effort by prosecutors to have Arnold confined to his residence with an ankle monitor. “As the court astutely and correctly observed at the hearing on June 29, 2026, Mr. Arnold has been and will continue to be monitored by the paparazzi. In sum, Mr. Arnold is not a flight risk, nor is he a danger to the community.
“He is confined to his home by both court conditions and media scrutiny and anticipates that he will have employment with another NFL team within 30 days.”
Adding further to his claim of Arnold being in line for a new gig soon, Steinberg added the Alabama product has already been “contacted by three other NFL clubs regarding his services.” The timing of communication on this front is key, given the fact that suitors would have been guilty of tampering if they had contacted Arnold while he was still under contract with the Lions. In any case, Steinberg’s assertion is a notable one.
Arnold is facing numerous felony charges stemming from an alleged revenge kidnapping plot in February. He surrendered to police before ultimately being released from jail on a $1MM bond. July 6 represents not only the waiver claim deadline in this instance but also the next scheduled hearing in Arnold’s criminal case.
Since being drafted 24th overall in 2024, Arnold has made 22 starts and 24 appearances in the NFL. The 23-year-old largely did not live up to expectations when on the field, and shoulder surgery limited him to eight games this past season. Those factors make it highly unlikely an interested team will take on the remainder of Arnold’s contract by submitting a waiver claim. He would become a free agent after Monday presuming he clears waivers.
In the event Arnold does indeed reach the open market, it will be interesting to see if he quickly receives offers. Uncertainty over his legal situation will no doubt linger well beyond next week. Even so, his football future could soon include a deal being lined up with a new team.
