The Detroit Lions enter a crucial 2026 campaign after failing to make the playoffs last year. They will need everyone to put their best foot forward, and cornerback Terrion Arnold is at the top of the list.
Coaches spoke with media members, and head coach Dan Campbell made it clear that nothing is guaranteed for Arnold here.
"It's just about competing. ...He knows this -- he's gotta go earn it."
And similar sentiments were shared by DBs coach Deshea Townsend. Arnold has been sidelined this offseason as he recovers from shoulder surgery, but Townsend made it clear that nothing will happen until Arnold gets out on the field.
"He'll get his job back when he gets back out there — but he’s gotta get back out there first.”
Townsend pointed out that Arnold is doing everything he can off the field, but what you do on the gridiron is what matters. Based on how Arnold's first two years have gone, this is a pivotal year for him, and his coaches are making it known.
Terrion Arnold just got a message from the Lions he can't ignore
Last season, Arnold was limited to just eight games due to a shoulder injury and a concussion. But even before going down, his production was eerily similar. In 2025, he had a 95.0 passer rating against and allowed 56.8 percent of passes to be completed. Compared to his rookie year in 2024, Arnold had a 94.7 passer rating against and 57 percent of passes completed.
His numbers on Pro Football Focus also showed how underwhelming Arnold has been thus far in his Lions career.
Season | Overall Grade | Coverage Grade | Run Defense Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
2024 | 51.5 (108th among 117 graded CBs) | 50.4 (107th among 117 graded CBs) | 59.1 (80th among 117 graded CBs) |
2025 | 52.6 (97th among 114 graded CBs) | 53.8 (92nd among 114 graded CBs) | 47.1 (95th among 114 graded CBs) |
The Lions used a first-round pick on Arnold, but through two years, he hasn't lived up to the billing. 2026 is a big year for him, and the fact that he hasn't been able to step foot on the practice field yet isn't working in his favor.
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While Townsend said that Arnold will get his job back, Campbell made it known that he will have to compete for the starting spot and earn it. It shows that the Lions are done handing him anything. If Arnold wants to get on the field, he will need to elevate his play.
It seems like he's targeting a return when training camp begins. That would be the first step to earning back his job. Based on the moves Detroit made in the cornerback room, they plan on giving Arnold the chance to be a starter, but nothing is being handed out.
This is a massive year for Arnold and his Lions' future. He hasn't played up to the standards needed to be a top corner in the league, and that's why his coaches are speaking like that. Even though his coaches are giving him a chance to bounce back, the pressure will be on Arnold to deliver.
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