One of the biggest disappointments from the Detroit Lions’ 2025 season was the performance of their secondary. Some things were out of the Lions’ control, such as injuries to Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch. But the Lions also were disappointed that Terrion Arnold did not make a significant leap in his second season.
Arnold came into 2025 facing expectations after a ringing endorsement from free agent addition DJ Reed. While there was plenty of talk, there wasn’t a lot of action as Arnold allowed 23 catches for 331 yards and two touchdowns with an interception, a pass breakup, and six penalties (three declined) on 41 targets according to Pro Football Focus.
A shoulder injury that ended his season after Week 13 may have had something to do with his struggles. But defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard made it clear the excuses are starting to run out, and Arnold must fulfill his potential in 2026.
"I need him to be quiet and just play," Sheppard told John Maakaron of SI during the NFL Scouting Combine. “It's no more of this, 'He's still a puppy. No, no, no, he's not. He's expected to play at a high level. He's doing things right, to make sure his body's in condition and in shape to be able to do it for the long haul, and to make sure we're not on the roller coaster this year. Make sure it's consistent play. He's getting better into shape. (Defensive backs coach) Deshea Townsend, to me, is one of the best I have ever seen and have been around, as far as developing that position. So, I know he's in good hands."
Terrion Arnold’s Future with Lions Is on the Line in 2026
Arnold’s personality is loud and fitting of a CB1, but the Lions are still waiting on the results two years after selecting him with the 24th overall pick in the 2024 draft. While Arnold played more in his rookie season, the results were similar, allowing 60 catches for 792 yards and four touchdowns with no interceptions, nine pass breakups, and 10 penalties, none of which were declined.
Although Arnold was able to lower his passer rating when targeted from 100.4 in his rookie campaign to 88.6 last season, there were other areas of his game that regressed, including a missed tackle rate that jumped from 6.9 percent to 11.8 percent.
A return to health could play a big role in a third-year rebound, but Sheppard also noted it will require a leap in maturity in order to make that happen.
“That kid has a great heart. Man, he wants to be great,” Sheppard continued. “But I told him it’s a difference in talking about being great and actually being great. And he’s starting to understand that.”
There’s a lot on the line if Arnold can’t make the leap. His fifth-year contract option will be decided following his third year and if he doesn’t perform, Brad Holmes could decide to decline. Even if he does, a solid performance could convince the Lions to work out a short term extension to keep him in Detroit, but there's only so much money to go around with more successful picks like Jahmyr Gibbs, Sam LaPorta and Jack Campbell eligible for contract extensions this offseason.
Sheppard has been demanding of his players since taking over the defensive coordinator job last season and his analysis on Arnold feels on point. It’s up to Arnold to finally validate the belief the Lions have had over the first two seasons and make the jump to a strong NFL player next season.