Jun 26, 2026, 2:20 AM CUT

Terrion Arnold’s contract breakdown: salary and buyout details

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 20: Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold 0 lines up for a play during the NFL, American Football Herren, USA game between the Detroit Lions and the Minnesota Vikings on October 20, 2024, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, MN. Photo by Bailey Hillesheim/Icon Sportswire NFL: OCT 20 Lions at Vikings EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon241020160

Being the first-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft, Terrion Arnold received a million-dollar contract from the team. The Florida-born cornerback, who was selected in the NFL after his successful stint with Alabama, inked a four-year contract with the Detroit Lions back in 2024.

According to Spotrac, his contract was worth around $14.34 million, including a $7.25 million signing bonus.

He had a fully guaranteed deal and received a base salary of $795,000 and a prorated signing bonus in 2024 worth around $1.81 million per OverTheCap.

He had earned a total of around $5.9 million from his first two seasons in the NFL, followed by the remaining $4 million in base salary and approximately $3.5 million in prorated signing bonuses from the next two years of his contract.

His total base salary over the four seasons totals around $5,779,935, per Over The Cap. Aside from that, the Lions also hold a fifth-year contract option worth around $14 million if the team looks to pick it up.

Terrion Arnold was a key part of the impressive run of the Lions, who went 15–2 in the regular season in 2024. He had 60 tackles, 47 solo and assisted in 13 tackles in his rookie year.

However, an injury shortened his last season, and he only played in eight regular-season games, recording 31 tackles, 23 solo and eight assisted tackles.

Financial implications of releasing or trading Terrion Arnold

Terrion Arnold is facing felony charges after his personal property was stolen from an Airbnb in Largo, per ESPN. The Lions CB is being held in jail without bond until his next hearing on Monday.

Given the gravity of the situation, Arnold is expected to be unavailable for the upcoming NFL season, presenting financial trouble for the Lions' front office.

If Arnold is released, the Lions will have to eat up $7.31 million in 2026 and $1.81 million in 2027 as dead cap. Plus, their savings will be hit with an additional $3.4 million, per Spotrac.

But if he is traded, then the Lions will have to bear just $1.81 million in dead money in each year 2026 and 2027. Plus, they will save $2.09 million in savings.

Written by

Ankita Yadav

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore