Seahawks to sign CB Terrion Arnold, who will go on commissioner's exempt list

The Seahawks are officially adding the cornerback with a felony charge and uphill court battle. Seattle will sign former Lions CB Terrion Arnold, and the league will place him on the commissioner's exempt list as soon as it receives his contract, Adam Schefter reported Saturday.

The move has been expected for weeks. Seattle beat writer Bob Condotta reported the expectation remained that Arnold would sign on Aug. 29 and then land on the exempt list on Aug. 30, when rosters are cut to 53.

The exempt list is the league's mechanism for sidelining a player facing legal jeopardy without formally suspending him — and the Seahawks' pursuit has always been framed as a waiting game. Seattle, the organization, awaits the legal process tied to his February arrest in Florida on felony robbery and kidnapping charges.

Arnold, the eighth overall pick in 2024, spent his first two seasons in Detroit before the Lions moved on. He also visited the Texans, Saints and Giants before settling on Seattle. For the Seahawks, it's a controversial move to add a high-upside defensive back now, absorb the roster hit on the exempt list, and see where the court case lands. He won't count toward the active 53 while exempt.