NFL veteran edge rusher Arden Key has signed a contract with the Tennessee Titans. Key spent 2022 with the Jacksonville Jaguars, helping lead the franchise to an AFC South division title.
The #Titans have agreed to terms with DL Arden Key on a three-year, $21 million deal with a max value of $24 million that includes $13 million fully guaranteed at signing, source says. After 4.5 sacks with the #Jaguars last season, Key cashes in.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 15, 2023
Arden Key, Tennessee Titans, Agree to Contract
Last off-season, Key joined the Jaguars on a one-year contract worth $4 million. Key provided the team with versatility, leadership, and a consistent situational pass rusher. After all, he finished third on the team in sacks, registering 4.5, as well as 20 quarterback pressures.
Arden Key performed at his best at a crucial juncture in the regular season for Jacksonville. As they were vying for the playoffs, Key added 2.5 sacks between Weeks 14 and 15. This stretch included massive victories over the Tennessee Titans and Dallas Cowboys that led to a higher defensive snap count for Key.
Coming out of high school as a highly-sought after recruit, Key found immediate success at LSU. During his sophomore season in 2016, he totaled 11.0 sacks, 12.5 tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles, and 55 total tackles. Entering his junior year, he was widely considered one of the top prospects to watch for in the 2018 NFL Draft.
However, after an injury-riddled junior year, and lackluster pre-draft process, Key slid to the then-Oakland Raiders in the third round. Selected 87th overall, the Raiders had high hopes that Key could turn it around. As a rookie in 2018, Key started 10 of 16 games, with one sack and 11 quarterback hits.
His second year in the NFL ended prematurely after suffering a foot injury after seven games. He flashed potential in that time though, recording a sack in each of the final two games he played. Following an underwhelming 2020 campaign, the Raiders released Key on April 15th, 2021.
Eight days later, Key joined the San Francisco 49ers. He excelled in their rotation, finishing 2021 with a career-high 6.5 sacks. Key parlayed that success into a more lucrative deal with the Jaguars.
Main Photo: Mark J. Rebilas – USA TODAY Sports
