The Detroit Lions were hoping to see cornerback Terrion Arnold take that next step in his second season in the NFL after what was a mostly solid rookie campaign.
Arnold surrendered a completion rate of 55.6% and a passer rating of 93.7 in 2024, but his play has not been up to snuff in 2025.
Through three games this season, Arnold's completion rate allowed has shot up to 72.7% and he's sporting a passer rating against of 72.7. According to Pro Football Focus, Arnold's 44.0 coverage grade ranks 130th out of 158 qualifying cornerbacks.
Arnold's struggles have been even more glaring when you consider the fact that the guy lining up opposite him, D.J. Reed, has been playing good football to begin his Lions tenure.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell was asked about Arnold's struggles during his most recent appearance on 97.1 The Ticket and while he expressed confidence in the Alabama product turning things around, he did leave the door open for Amik Robertson to start playing on the boundary more.
“He’s a young player and he’s working at it and he’s going to get better,” Campbell said (H/T Pride of Detroit). “He’s going to get better, it’s just going to take a little bit of time here. We’re going to work through a few of these things, but, look, every young player, they have these ebbs and flows of their career or of a second year, things of that nature. He’s going to be alright, man, we’re just going to keep working through it.
“And, look, we’ll probably use Amik (Robertson) on some stuff, too. Amik’s a good player. So we’re going to mix it up a little bit.”
Without saying it directly, this is a clear message to Arnold that he needs to get his act together or else he could see reduced snaps.
Robertson currently mans the slot for the Lions, as he did last season, but we know that the veteran has experience playing on the boundary.
The last time Robertson played the majority of his snaps on the outside was in 2023 with the Las Vegas Raiders. Robertson posted a PFF coverage grade of 65.8 that season and gave up a completion rate of 59.1% and a passer rating of 87.4, both career-bests.
Given what they have invested in Arnold, we know the Lions DO NOT want to cut his snaps. However, we also know that Campbell and the Lions are not going to keep running Arnold out there if he doesn't earn it with his play.
MORE NFL NEWS
- NFL denies Steelers' request ahead of Dublin game vs. Vikings
- Terry McLaurin gets concerning injury update for Week 4
- 49ers trade idea replaces Nick Bosa with elite $30 million EDGE
- What Jerry Jones said about Cowboys facing Micah Parsons in Week 4
- Al-Quadin Muhammad had powerful message after dominant Week 3
- Detroit Lions power rankings round-up going into Week 4
- What Derrick Henry said about crucial fumble vs. Lions