Lions GM addresses cutting Terrion Arnold after arrest

The Detroit Lions cut cornerback Terrion Arnold shortly after it was learned that he had been arrested in June on kidnapping and armed robbery charges. 

Arnold has since landed with the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks. While speaking with reporters on Wednesday, Lions general manager Brad Holmes explained why he decided not to keep Arnold as the legal process played out. 

Lions did "the best and right thing" for the club by cutting Terrion Arnold

"I mean, look, the whole situation obviously was unfortunate. You know, the kid made a mistake," Holmes said about Arnold, per Colton Pouncy of The Athletic. "The more information we got throughout the process, that was the result of us doing what the best and right thing was for the club, which was to move forward." 

Arnold is facing eight felony charges in Florida regarding his arrest linked to an incident that reportedly took place in February of this year. Previously, the Lions made him the 24th overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. In total, he appeared in 24 regular-season games for the club before he needed shoulder surgery this past December. 

Lions "like" who is on the roster after Terrion Arnold decision

Shortly after the Seahawks confirmed in late August that they had signed Arnold, the NFL placed him on the commissioner’s exempt list. He cannot practice or play while on the list, but he can attend team meetings and will be paid by the Seahawks. 

According to Pouncy, Arnold is next due to appear in court on Oct. 5.

On Aug. 30, Seahawks general manager John Schneider said that "the character just didn’t really fit with the allegations and everybody we’ve talked to" regarding the signing of Arnold. Holmes clearly wasn't so comfortable with having Arnold on paid leave until further notice. 

"We appreciate everything that he did, but I think — with respect of the present, right now — (we’re going) to focus on the guys that we have here, and we like the guys that we have right now in that room," Holmes added.