Grading the Titans’ expected signing of EDGE Arden Key

Ran Carthon secured a late-night signing prior to the conclusion of what was a very active day for the Tennessee Titans’ new general manager.

This time, however, may have been his biggest acquisition to date after the Titans came to an agreement with former Jacksonville Jaguars edge-rusher, Arden Key.

This is yet another addition that has previous ties to Tennessee’s general manager. Key was with Carthon in San Francisco in 2021, when he produced a career-high 6.5 sacks.

As for his most recent season in Jacksonville, the LSU product accounted for 44 pressures, 11 quarterback hits, and 4.5 sacks on the year.

He may not have topped his sack total from the previous year, but Key did record career-high grades in total defense (81.3), run defense (74.2), and in coverage (75.1), per Pro Football Focus.

The former LSU Tiger also finished with the second-highest pass-rush grade of his career in 2022 (73.5).

Key is an athletically-fluid defender who knows how to use his unique blend of length, speed, and power to his advantage, something the Titans saw first hand in 2022.

#SpeedToPower by Arden Key (@ArdenKeyEl). Key sees the chip release, so he redirects into the OL & runs him over. Keep it simple, keep it violent! #passrush #duuuval pic.twitter.com/HMKGsIrHA0

— DLineVids (@dlinevids1) January 10, 2023

The Titans’ newest defender immediately re-solidifies a once-vaunted front-four upon his arrival. Key has a chance to excel on a defensive front that includes Harold Landry, Jeffery Simmons, and Denico Autry.

Not to mention, this all but eliminates the Titans’ chances of investing their first-round pick on an edge rusher when the team clearly has more pressing needs at the moment.

There are some rather unlikely scenarios where maybe it becomes a realistic option should a blue-chip prospect (Will Anderson Jr.) fall, but the chances of that happening are pretty small.

The 26-year-old is reportedly getting a three-year, $21 million deal that has a max value of $24 million and $13 million fully guaranteed at signing. The base dollar amount is the same that DeMarcus Walker, who is two years older, received from the Chicago Bears.

This move was a slam dunk for a variety of different reasons (one of which is the Titans taking him from the Jaguars) and that’s why it’s receiving a resounding approval rating from fans and media members alike.

Final grade: A+