Macdonald: Seahawks did ‘due diligence’ on CB Terrion Arnold

Head coach Mike Macdonald confirmed the Seattle Seahawks have reached an agreement to sign cornerback Terrion Arnold and expressed confidence the team did its “due diligence” in vetting his background.

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However, Macdonald declined to discuss the specifics of Arnold’s pending legal issues. The 23-year-old former first-round draft pick was released by the Detroit Lions earlier this summer after being arrested on eight felony charges in connection to a February robbery and kidnapping in Tampa, Florida.

Reports of a deal between the Seahawks and Arnold surfaced late Thursday afternoon. ESPN Seahawks reporter Brady Henderson said he expects it to be a one-year deal for the minimum salary.

“I think it was an opportunity to bring on a player that we felt strongly about during the draft process,” Macdonald said. “And we also understand that it’s a serious situation with a legal matter. There’s a process behind it, so we respect that.

“And that’s how we’ll operate, too, in just letting that process play out and let the league decide if and when his return to play is.”

Prosecutors in Florida allege that Arnold orchestrated the abduction and beating of three men whom he wrongly suspected of stealing luxury goods and $100,000 in cash from him, according to The Associated Press. Arnold pleaded not guilty and denied the allegations through his representatives.

No trial date has been set for Arnold, who posted a $1 million bond. Arnold’s next scheduled court date is a disposition hearing on Oct. 5.

“We felt like we’ve done our due diligence, and it’s just something we, in terms of the legal situation, we just can’t make a comment on right now,” Macdonald said.

Macdonald said he’s not sure if and when Arnold could be available to join the team. As Arnold’s legal proceedings unfold, it’s possible he could be placed on the NFL commissioner’s exempt list, which would bar him from playing in games or practicing.

“I think we just have to understand that there’s a process at play and we’re gonna let it play out,” Macdonald said.

The Seahawks brought in Arnold for a visit on Sunday. Arnold also reportedly met with the Houston Texans, New Orleans Saints and New York Giants.

“We had a great visit,” Macdonald said. “We had a great discussion. It was a real discussion. And we just kept it real. I have a responsibility coming from the organization about what we expect and also what our vision would be for him and how it would operate, and he was great. He was great. I appreciated his honesty in those moments, and that’s really all you could ask for.”

Macdonald said the Seahawks “thought really highly” of Arnold during the 2024 draft process. Macdonald also confirmed the Seahawks had people in their building who vouched for Arnold’s character.

Seahawks third-string quarterback Jalen Milroe and cornerback Josh Jobe were both teammates of Arnold’s at Alabama. And Seahawks defensive passing game coordinator/defensive backs coach Karl Scott helped recruit Arnold to Alabama – although he left the Crimson Tide’s program prior to Arnold’s arrival.

“I referenced the folks that have been in his corner throughout the whole process as well, and we respect those people,” Macdonald said. “We’re not going to ignore those folks that we really respect and have a strong opinion about it as well. So when you put all those things together, it felt like it was a good opportunity for the team.”

Over his two NFL seasons with Detroit, the 6-foot, 195-pound Arnold had one interception and 18 pass breakups in 24 games. He was sidelined for half of last season with a shoulder injury.

Three-time Pro Bowler Devon Witherspoon and Josh Jobe are entrenched as the Seahawks’ top two cornerbacks, but the third corner spot is up for grabs after Riq Woolen’s departure in free agency.

Third-year pro Nehemiah Pritchett and free agent addition Noah Igbinoghene currently appear to be the leading candidates for the CB3 role. Rookie third-round pick Julian Neal also was expected to factor in, but he’s missed most of training camp with an injury.

“There’s a really great opportunity that we think his skill set fits in our secondary,” Macdonald said. “He plays with a lot of energy, physicality. Some of the pattern match stuff that we do is more up his alley that he did at Alabama. And then just the personality-wise, I think there’s an opportunity there, if he’s the best version of himself, that he could be a fit for us.”

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