The Detroit Lions have a roster full of players looking to take the next step in 2026, and while the franchise will also be depending on newcomers to step up, meaningful strides have to be made from within.
Numerous second and third year players have to improve if the Lions are to have a deeper roster this season, and many will have to make the jump to star status if Detroit wants to make a Super Bowl run. One of the most important players in this vein is cornerback Terrion Arnold.
After being a first-round pick in 2024, Arnold has struggled through a couple inconsistent and injury filled seasons with the Lions. Detroit needs a bonafide star in their defensive backfield, and could use Arnold to take a step forward in 2026.
Fans aren't the only ones to notice this. Pundits are beginning to cite Arnold's significance this year as well. Pro Football Focus analyst Bradley Locker included him on a list of the 10 players with the most at stake this coming season.
"Since Arnold’s pro debut in 2024, his 49.5 overall PFF grade slots 70th out of 72 cornerbacks to play a minimum of 1,200 snaps. It’s worrisome that Arnold — who was effective in nearly every dimension at Alabama — has registered sub-51.0 grades in both run defense and coverage, too. On top of that, Arnold played just 333 snaps in 2025 while enduring a shoulder injury."
"The Lions are giving Arnold another season of runway to being a perimeter starter next to the returning D.J. Reed. However, Arnold runs the risk of Detroit finding either a competitor or replacement in the coming months if he’s unable to display glimpses of his Crimson Tide form."
The Lions added some depth at cornerback this offseason in the form of Roger McCreary and also have Ennis Rakestraw on the roster looking to make a jump in addition to rookie Keith Abney II, who will come into the offseason program with some significant hype.
The Lions aren't likely to cut bait on Arnold now, but there is a scenario where a veteran or a younger player outplays him and the franchise decides to go in another direction for the future. That reveals why the pressure is so great on the cornerback this season.
Arnold has been working hard to rebound and recover this offseason
While the pressure is certainly being ratcheted up on Arnold from the outside, it's clear he understands the situation he is walking into this year. This offseason, Arnold has been working hard to prepare for Detroit's offseason program as well as training camp.
A few months ago in February, Arnold shared some videos of what he was up to during the offseason on Instagram shared by Detroit Sports Podcast. They show him running around and making cuts fluidly on the practice field looking very healthy off surgery.
Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold shares workout videos for first time since surgery
— DetroitSportsPodcast (@DetroitPodcast) February 22, 2026
Via: IG/Terrion_3 pic.twitter.com/BpCBF6zYS7
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Obviously, talk is cheap when it comes to Arnold. He will need to have a heathy season where he stays on the field and also performs consistently. He needs to lock down a top cornerback job with the Lions this season, and show why he is a former top draft pick with solid statistical gains.
Arnold is in need of a big breakout, and things are very much in-flux heading toward 2026. The only thing left for him to do is come out and prove he can take a leap with his play.
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