Seahawks cornerback Terrion Arnold starts the 2026 season on paid leave, due to eight felony charges arising from an alleged armed robbery and kidnapping. And while he can’t practice or play, Arnold is with the team.
“He’s in the building and being part of our program and learning the heck out of our defense,” coach Mike Macdonald told reporters on Saturday regarding Arnold. “Keep training and stay ready for when there’s an opportunity.”
It’s still unknown when an opportunity will arise. In general, players on the Commissioner Exempt list due to criminal charges remain there until the case is over and discipline, if any, is imposed by the league. But the NFL has deviated from that approach in the past; in 2024, then-Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers spent seven games on paid leave, returning before his case went to trial. (He was acquitted of domestic battery in January 2025.)
Arnold’s next court date happens on October 5. A trial hasn’t been scheduled. Barring a plea deal, it’s unlikely Arnold’s case will end before the conclusion of the 2026 season.
The overriding question is whether the league will stick to its general approach that players will remain on paid leave until the case ends, or whether the league will allow Arnold to return at some point later in the season.
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