Lions coach addresses release of former Alabama DB Terrion Arnold

Kimberly P. Mitchell / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

On Wednesday, Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell addressed the release of former Alabama defensive back Terrion Arnold.

Campbell said the decision to release Arnold was “unfortunate” but was “the move we felt was best for us.”

Arnold was arrested in June. The defensive back was arrested after being connected to an alleged armed robbery and kidnapping that occurred back in February. Police believe he was the primary conspirator. Arnold has denied involvement.

“I addressed the team last night over that,” Campbell said. “It stinks. You never want to let go of a player, especially somebody that you’ve been around for a while here and you drafted and all that. It’s unfortunate, but we made the move we felt was best for us.”

The Lions released Arnold on June 29. He was drafted in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft and played two seasons for the Lions.

Campbell implied he is confident in the caliber of players the team has at cornerback ahead of the 2026 NFL season.