The Seattle Seahawks preseason opener was another step in the development of second-year quarterback Jalen Milroe. But afterwards, the signal-caller received about as many questions on one of his newest teammates as he did on Saturday night’s preseason affair.
On Thursday, the Seahawks signed cornerback Terrion Arnold. The addition came with quite a bit of controversy, as Arnold was arrested on June 24 on eight felony charges.
But the decision wasn’t at all polarizing for Milroe, who was college teammates with Arnold at Alabama.
“That’s my dog. I’m very happy that he’s going to be a Seahawk,” Milroe told reporters Saturday night. “I think now it’s just showing him the way of how we do things. I think now that’s a move forward process.”
When asked about what he wants people to know about Arnold, Milroe spoke very highly of the cornerback.
“I think No. 1 is that he’s committed. When he has goals set for him, he wants to achieve them, and he’s going to put his all into everything he puts into it,” Milroe responded. “This is someone that really cares about his teammates. He’s really unique as far as what he can do on the field.
“He’s going to really love the culture that we have here because it’s similar to the vibe that we had when we was in college.”
The NFL has not disciplined Arnold for his legal troubles this offseason. A suspension could be looming, but the cornerback is currently eligible to participate in football activities as the legal process plays out.
Jalen Milroe Offers Praise for Terrion Arnold
It’s probably too far too say Milroe defended the controversial cornerback. But the quarterback did highlight Arnold’s top traits, which isn’t going to sit well with everyone right now.
Clearly, Milroe and Arnold have a close relationship.
On Thursday, Milroe told The New Tribune’s Gregg Bell the cornerback is his best friend.
Milroe has not publicly addressed Arnold’s legal issues. Instead, Milroe has stressed what his best friend will bring from a football standpoint.
Arnold was a first-round pick for the Detroit Lions during the 2024 NFL Draft. The Lions, though, released him at the end of June after he was arrested on felony charges of armed robbery and kidnapping.
The charges could bring a life sentence if Arnold is ruled guilty.
Milroe Gets Encouraging Words From Mike Macdonald
The entire Seahawks offense left something to be desired in the preseason opener against the Dallas Cowboys.
Milroe completed 5 of 8 passes for 36 yards. He rushed for the same amount of yardage on only five attempts but also took three sacks.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald, though, didn’t dwell on the negatives.
“I think the whole thing just needs — just let’s go take another step,” Macdonald said. “Let’s encourage him to go rip it.
“I think some great things that Jalen did was extend plays with his legs, something that has been a point of emphasis with him.
“The play doesn’t have to end if there’s nobody to throw [to] with your progressions,” Macdonald added. “You’re allowed to extend the play, you know? It’s up to you on how long the play goes.”
The Seahawks are hoping to see more progress for Milroe over the next couple weeks. Granted, the team still has Sam Darnold as its starter and Drew Lock as the likely backup.
During his college career, Milroe posted 6,016 passing yards and 1,577 rushing yards in 38 career games at Alabama. Milroe clearly still has that athleticism but needs to improve as a passer.
Jalen Milroe Opens Up on Seahawks Signing CB Terrion Arnold