The Tennessee Titans parted ways with veteran outside linebacker Bud Dupree after two disastrous seasons and are replacing him with fellow outside linebacker, Arden Key.
While Key flashed plenty with 11 sacks combined the past two seasons with the San Francisco 49ers and Jacksonville Jaguars, he did so as a backup on those teams.
Now, the 27-year-old figures to take on the biggest role of his career with the Titans, where he’s expected to be the starter opposite Harold Landry.
There is no doubt a fair amount of hype for Key in Nashville, but Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay believes the addition is one of the most overlooked ones from this entire NFL offseason. Here’s what Kay had to say:
The Tennessee Titans pulled off a coup against a divisional rival when they signed Arden Key to a three-year, $21 million deal this offseason. The club was not only able to lure away a competent pass-rusher from the Jacksonville Jaguars, but it also found a younger replacement for DeMarcus Walker after the edge-rusher secured a similar deal from the Chicago Bears.
While Key is slightly smaller than the player he’s replacing, he’s nearly two years younger while having just one fewer season of experience than Walker. The 6’5″, 240-pound Key was a third-round pick in 2018 but didn’t truly find his footing in the league until 2021 when he emerged with a 6.5-sack campaign for the San Francisco 49ers. He followed that up with 4.5 sacks last year while earning a career-best 81.3 PFF grade for his efforts. He’s just entering the prime of his career and could have his best years in the Music City.
Even if Key doesn’t end up amassing eye-popping sack totals, he’s still a versatile defender who can line up both inside and outside in Tennessee’s schemes. He’s been an adequate run defender whose presence will help the Titans stay dangerous on his side of the ball while the club sorts out its quarterback situation and other offensive issues. His signing may not have made many waves, but it will certainly be noticeable for those facing Tennessee’s defense in 2023.
Key enters a fantastic situation in Nashville, as not only is he in line for a big workload in 2023, he’ll also have plenty of help around him to take pressure off and create more one-on-ones thanks to a talented front that also includes Landry, Jeffery Simmons, Denico Autry and Teair Tart.
If Key can take advantage, he’s primed to have a breakout season in 2023.
