The Seahawks are all for bringing in cornerback Terrion Arnold even as he faces felony charges.
Seattle head coach Mike Macdonald said the team had “overwhelmingly positive” reviews while vetting Arnold this offseason.
“We feel really strongly about our locker room and our team, and we had a great visit with Terrion,” Macdonald told reporters, according to ESPN. “Obviously we knew him throughout the (predraft process in 2024). I referenced the folks that have been in his corner throughout the whole process as well, and we respect those people.
“We’re not going to ignore those folks that we really respect and have a strong opinion about it as well. When you put all those things together, it felt like it was a good opportunity for the team.”
It was reported Thursday that Arnold planned to sign with the Seahawks on a one-year, minimum-salary deal.
Arnold’s contract with Seattle comes after he held talks with multiple NFL teams, including the Giants and Jets.
Macdonald added that the team is still unsure if Arnold will be able to play, as the NFL could place the 23-year-old on the commissioner’s exempt list, which would bar him from playing as the league investigates the matter.
Arnold faces eight felony charges in connection with a February robbery and kidnapping in Tampa, Fla., where he allegedly beat three men after he wrongly suspected them of robbing him and others of over $250,000.
The men who accused Arnold of beating them allegedly had “visible injuries from being battered, held at gunpoint, and pistol-whipped before their personal property was stolen and they were ordered to leave,” Tampa police said.
Arnold, who turned himself in to authorities on June 24, has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Macdonald insisted that the Seahawks did their “due diligence” on Arnold’s legal issues, but did not elaborate further.
”For us to comment on that right now is not our place, nor should we,” Macdonald said. “So again, it’s a serious situation. We understand that.
“But to make any comment further, it’s not the time or place right now.”
Since being drafted by the Lions with the No. 24 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Arnold has one interception and 18 passes defended in 24 games across two seasons.
