Lions Faced with Difficult Terrion Arnold Decision After the Bye
The Detroit Lions have earned the right to rest comfortably over their bye week. With a 5-2 record, the Lions can sit back and relax while hoping that the Pittsburgh Steelers give them some help to return to the top of the NFC North in their battle with the Green Bay Packers on Sunday night.
While there are a lot of things that have gone right for the Lions, there are some things that have let the team down. Jameson Williams’s disappearing act has been the most disappointing aspect of this year’s team and first-round pick Tyleik Williams hasn’t made an impact in the middle of the Lions’ defensive line. But Terrion Arnold is a different kind of disappointment.
Jameson and Tyleik Williams aren’t going anywhere as the former signed a big extension and the latter is a project in his rookie season. Arnold, meanwhile, has had a rough second season and it could lead to the Lions making a big decision as they inch closer to the trade deadline after the bye.
Lions May Be Forced to Trade for a CB If Terrion Arnold’s Struggles Continue
The Lions’ first-round pick in the 2024 draft, there were high expectations for Arnold this season. The addition of DJ Reed in free agency gave Arnold a veteran mentor in the room. With defensive coordinator Kelvin Shepppard running a similar scheme to his predecessor Aaron Glenn as well, the foundation was there for Arnold to break out in Year 2.
Yet, several things have prevented him from making that leap. According to Pro Football Focus, Arnold has allowed 18 catches for 283 yards and a touchdown with three pass breakups on 29 targets. His next interception will be his first as a professional and his 49.3 overall grade ranks 104th out of 118 qualifying cornerbacks this season.
Injuries may have played a role in his performance and he admitted to reporters that he’s been playing at less than 100%. But Sheppard already stated it’s not an excuse for his poor performance and if it continues after he returns, the Lions may be forced to make a trade for someone who can meet their expectations opposite of Reed.
Roger McCreary of the Tennessee Titans or Alontae Taylor of the New Orleans Saints present potential options Detroit could pursue. Bringing in any outside CB help would likely put Arnold in a reserve role, though, and leave his future with the team up in the air.
This is the predicament the Lions find themselves in with Arnold. They can put their trust in him and hope he improves with better health after the bye, or seek out a replacement and bench the youngster. Both routes carry risk with the potential for negative consequences in the short- and long-term, especially since Arnold's development is a key factor that will influence this defense's future.
This is not the position the Lions want to be in with their recent first-round pick, but Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell have to consider everything as they vie for a Super Bowl title.
Lions Faced with Difficult Terrion Arnold Decision After the Bye
The Detroit Lions have earned the right to rest comfortably over their bye week. With a 5-2 record, the Lions can sit back and relax while hoping that the Pittsburgh Steelers give them some help to return to the top of the NFC North in their battle with the Green Bay Packers on Sunday night.
While there are a lot of things that have gone right for the Lions, there are some things that have let the team down. Jameson Williams’s disappearing act has been the most disappointing aspect of this year’s team and first-round pick Tyleik Williams hasn’t made an impact in the middle of the Lions’ defensive line. But Terrion Arnold is a different kind of disappointment.
Jameson and Tyleik Williams aren’t going anywhere as the former signed a big extension and the latter is a project in his rookie season. Arnold, meanwhile, has had a rough second season and it could lead to the Lions making a big decision as they inch closer to the trade deadline after the bye.
Lions May Be Forced to Trade for a CB If Terrion Arnold’s Struggles Continue
The Lions’ first-round pick in the 2024 draft, there were high expectations for Arnold this season. The addition of DJ Reed in free agency gave Arnold a veteran mentor in the room. With defensive coordinator Kelvin Shepppard running a similar scheme to his predecessor Aaron Glenn as well, the foundation was there for Arnold to break out in Year 2.
Yet, several things have prevented him from making that leap. According to Pro Football Focus, Arnold has allowed 18 catches for 283 yards and a touchdown with three pass breakups on 29 targets. His next interception will be his first as a professional and his 49.3 overall grade ranks 104th out of 118 qualifying cornerbacks this season.
Injuries may have played a role in his performance and he admitted to reporters that he’s been playing at less than 100%. But Sheppard already stated it’s not an excuse for his poor performance and if it continues after he returns, the Lions may be forced to make a trade for someone who can meet their expectations opposite of Reed.
Roger McCreary of the Tennessee Titans or Alontae Taylor of the New Orleans Saints present potential options Detroit could pursue. Bringing in any outside CB help would likely put Arnold in a reserve role, though, and leave his future with the team up in the air.
This is the predicament the Lions find themselves in with Arnold. They can put their trust in him and hope he improves with better health after the bye, or seek out a replacement and bench the youngster. Both routes carry risk with the potential for negative consequences in the short- and long-term, especially since Arnold's development is a key factor that will influence this defense's future.
This is not the position the Lions want to be in with their recent first-round pick, but Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell have to consider everything as they vie for a Super Bowl title.
