Arden

Key

The ruling is a boon for the Titans’ defensive front that enters 2024 with somewhat shallow depth in the EDGE department. Key profiles as a capable No. 2 EDGE, ranking 33rd in pass-rush win rate (12.6 percent) among 64 NFL EDGE players with at least 295 pass-rushing snaps last year.

Key was valued as situational pass rusher with the Jaguars while they made their playoff run. He followed up a 6.5-sack season as a 49er in 2021 with 4.5 in 2022. Key is being brought in to help keep the Titans front seven afloat and finally cashed in after a slow start to his career. He’ll provide depth playing alongside Harold Landry and Rashad Weaver.

Key signed late in the free agency period, but it wasn’t due to a lack of suitors. After visiting Detroit, Baltimore, and Kansas City, Key lands with Jacksonville. Per NFL Networks’ Mike Garafolo, his new deal can be worth up to $7 million. Key joins the Jaguars after racking up eight sacks for the 49ers in 2021. Entering his age-26 season, he should provide pass-rushing help and versatility along the defensive line.

This is Key’s fourth visit of the offseason, as he’s taken a whirlwind tour of the facilities in Detroit, Jacksonville, and Baltimore. Coming off an eight-sack season for the 49ers and set to play 2022 at only 26 years old, the young pass rusher has created a lot of interest in free agency.

Key is coming off an eight-sack campaign for the 49ers. He’s parlayed that into an exploration of the free agent market that is one of the most literal in recent memory, have already made stops in Detroit and Jacksonville. The Ravens are looking for pass rushing help after last year’s inability to stop the pass, and after their deal fell through with edge rusher Za’Darius Smith. Key would provide a versatile presence on the defensive line with the ability to rush the passer.

Key last week visited with the Lions, and NFL Network’s Mike Garofolo reports Detroit is still “very much in play” for Key. In 2021, Key recorded eight sacks for the 49ers, playing on a one-year deal. He’s a much sought-after pass rusher who could sign for big money from teams with plenty of salary cap space.

Key generated eight sacks in 2021, including the playoffs, delivering on the one-year deal he signed with the 49ers. Before 2021, Key had just three sacks in 37 career games. After reportedly working on his technique, Key ranked 29th in Pro Football Focus’ pass-rush grade among edge players. Entering his age-26 season, he profiles as a valuable rotational pass-rusher.

The Raiders took Key in the third round of the 2018 draft but he has been unable to make an impact over the course of three seasons. Key has just three sacks and eight tackles for loss across 37 career games. He started 10 games as a rookie but has failed to crack the starting rotation in two subsequent seasons. Las Vegas released him this spring. Key is an interesting flyer for San Francisco but will still have to fight to make their final roster.

The No. 87 overall pick of the 2018 Draft, Key played 435 snaps in 2020. You would not typically see a player like that waived at this stage of the offseason, even if the team was fairly confident they would not be making the 53-man roster. One month shy of his 25th birthday, Key has never been a difference maker, and has not hinted at another level to his game.

It’s a mere formality as Key had already been ruled out for the year following surgery earlier this week. The 2018 third-rounder contributed four tackles along with two sacks over 179 defensive snaps this season. The Raiders promoted LB Quentin Poling from their practice squad in the corresponding roster move.