Fresh starts don’t come often, but Terrion Arnold finally has one. The former Detroit Lions cornerback became a free agent on July 7 after no NFL team claimed him on waivers. While he still has to clear the legal hurdles ahead, the Dallas Cowboys have emerged as a possible landing spot.

“I’m gonna just say this: growth does not come from being comfortable,” The Attack said on Attack on Cowboys. “If this team wants to continue to grow with this culture that Brian Schottenheimer is building, wants to continue to grow and be tested, then it needs stress tests.

“… If bringing a guy like this in as a reclamation project with this coaching staff … [With] this coaching staff, Christian Parker, with Ryan Smith, with other positional coaches, with Brian Schottenheimer, just the systems that’s set in place now. And even with what Jerry does behind the scenes to help his guys stay out of trouble off the field, is it worth a flyer? I honestly think very much so could be.”

That makes sense. Terrion Arnold is a team player and has always maintained a cordial relationship with his teammates. Nick Saban mentioned this trait about him in a letter he wrote to Judge Christopher Sabella, requesting the latter to consider his “exceptional character.” Plus, the team has some uncertainty at the position, according to ESPN’s Mike Clay.

“Dallas doesn’t have many major problem areas, so an unproven cornerback room is the biggest red flag,” Clay said. “This area must be better after the Cowboys finished last in defensive EPA, allowed a 58.4 QBR (29th), and generated only six INTs in 2025.”

DaRon Bland is expected to lead the CB room after coming from injury on his left foot. But behind him, the only other dependable name in the room is former Los Angeles Rams cornerback Cobie Durant. He and fellow free-agent signee Derion Kendrick will be battling with Year 2 CB Shavon Revel Jr. and rookie Devin Moore.

Caleb Downs – who played with Arnold at Alabama – could also be deployed into cornerback duties. However, Arnold and his experience in the league make him a good fit for a team still looking to bolster their secondary.

However, what happens with his legal troubles will define his future. Last Tuesday, Arnold got out of jail after paying a $1 million bond set by Hillsborough County Judge Christopher Sabella in Tampa, Florida. He was arrested on felony charges of armed robbery and kidnapping.

Arnold has recorded 91 total combined tackles, one interception, 18 passes defended, and one fumble recovery so far. Per Arnold’s attorney, Harvey Steinberg, three teams have even contacted the CB.

However, the road ahead is still difficult for Arnold.

Terrion Arnold can still face problems in his career

Terrion Arnold can now sign with another NFL team because no team claimed him off waivers. However, signing him is still not easy because of his current contract and legal situation. Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio said teams may not want to shoulder the rest of Arnold’s guaranteed rookie contract.

“The NFL could put him on paid leave before the opening of training camp, which would require Arnold’s new team to pay him until the criminal case is resolved,” Florio wrote. “For now, the question is whether another team will make a claim for Arnold on waivers.

“If that doesn’t happen, he’ll land in the pool of available free agents. And the question for any interested team would be whether his potential value as a player is outweighed by the other issues that having him on the roster would bring to the table.”

If a team had claimed Arnold, the remaining two years and $4.848 million of his fully guaranteed rookie contract would have carried over to them from Detroit. By letting him pass through waivers unclaimed, teams have escaped this responsibility. They can now potentially move with a much cheaper, safer, one-year contract.

However, if the case turns against him, he might face life imprisonment, which would push teams away from investing in him. Whether or not the Cowboys are ready to place that bet is the question.