Terrion Arnold, the cornerback of the Detroit Lions, is held without bond at the Orient Road Jail in Hillsborough County, Florida. Because of his incarceration, Arnold is now unavailable for the Lions, creating potential financial loss.

What would happen if the Lions decided to move on from the rookie? The franchise would face dead money charges of $6.66 million because Arnold was a first-round pick, which includes guaranteed money. If they release him, even that would not provide the cap relief of $2.750 million.

"Now, there is one thing that could help the Lions financially if they were to move on from Arnold, and it’s what’s known in the NFL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement as a forfeitable breach," reporter Mike Payton of A to Z Sports wrote on June 24.

The NFL's Collective Bargaining Agreement, as a forfeitable breach, allows the franchise to recover certain compensation under specific circumstances, per Mike Payton of A to Z Sports.

"Essentially, if a player commits certain acts—like being incarcerated, suspended, or otherwise failing to perform his services under the contract—the team can seek to recover certain bonus money and avoid paying future salary that hasn’t been earned," added Payton.

The rule does not erase all cap consequences; it can still provide teams with financial resources that meet the CBA's requirements. Instead of a full financial wipe, the Lions are still looking at roughly $3,625,894 remaining on the books in the form of his prorated signing bonus.

Arnold has been arrested but not convicted, and he has refused to admit any violations. The Lions are expected to allow the legal process to continue before making any roster decision.

While the NFL's breach rule could help the Lions from the financial crisis, the legal situation of Terrion Arnold continues to make headlines.

Terrion Arnold’s legal crisis as shocking arrest details come to light

Terrion Arnold surrendered to authorities in Hillsborough County and faces felony charges, which include the kidnapping and armed robbery of four people in a February incident in Tampa.

“Fame doesn’t get you out of criminal charges or our pursuit of justice and holding criminals accountable,” Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw said, via Associated Press.

Investigators have found Arnold as the primary conspirator involved in three alleged victims who were assaulted and robbed in an apartment.

The argument was over a property reportedly stolen from an Airbnb Arnold had rented this year. The 23-year-old cornerback denies all charges.

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Written by

Hetal Moleshri

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore