Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Arden Key is facing a six-game suspension for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drugs policy, as first reported by Paul Kuharsky.
Key, a third-round draft pick in 2018, originally signed a three-year contract in free agency before last season after spending his first five seasons with Oakland/Las Vegas, San Francisco, and Jacksonville.
The 28-year-old enjoyed a breakout year in his first season in Nashville, recording 30 tackles, including four for loss, 12 quarterback hits, 6.0 sacks, two passes defensed, and two forced fumbles while playing in all 17 games, including nine starts.
Key was expected to be a pivotal contributor to the Titans’ pass rush this season, in addition to the likes of Jeffery Simmons, T’Vondre Sweat, and Harold Landry. Now, he will miss one-third of the season.
Assuming Key’s suspension holds at six games, he will be eligible to return for the Titans’ Week 8 matchup in Detroit.
It would seem that Tennessee is now in the market to pick up a free-agent pass rusher prior to Week 1.