The Tennessee Titans are not a winning team again this season, so they could make linebacker Arden Key available on the trade block. It isn’t the first time Key has been the subject of trade rumors, as he was named in several of them last year, when the Titans struggled. According to a source, they believe the Titans could be open to offering Key for cheap since he’s 29 and has been struggling as a situational pass-rusher. Originally selected in the 2018 NFL Draft, the former LSU product spent the first three seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders as a reliable defensive playmaker, but was waived by them and picked up by the San Francisco 49ers.
Key became a journeyman for most of his career, but he still put up solid numbers, recording 27 tackles and 4.5 sacks. It’s nothing explosive, but it’s something that potential contenders could look into if they want to put Key in the right situation to succeed, and he might improve his capabilities on the field if he joins a playoff team. With the trade deadline next month, it shouldn’t be surprising if Key becomes available, and these three teams could roll the dice on his potential. They wouldn’t need to spend much and could be a solid bargain-bin trade candidate.
Former Raiders Third Round Bust Arden Key Could Be On Trade Block – 3 Suitors Emerge
Possible Suitors
Dallas Cowboys
Even though the Dallas Cowboys’ defense is slowly waking up, they only faced the Jets this past week. The biggest question is whether their defense can step up against postseason teams. New trade acquisition Kenneth Murray Jr., Shemar James and Marist Liufau have all made their mark as long-term linebackers for this unit. However, they have yet to see the same energy from Jack Sanborn and Damone Clark. Key could step in and revive this room, but it won’t be anything overnight.
Jerry Jones has two extra first-round picks, but he’s not spending them on a player like Key. A late-round draft pick makes sense to get him under contract with the Cowboys. The team has other needs in the secondary, ground game and receiving room, but this upgrade in the pass-rush should position Dallas in a better spot than they were when they traded Micah Parsons to Green Bay.
Baltimore Ravens
Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens made a massive trade, sending Odafe Oweh to the Los Angeles Chargers in exchange for safety Alohi Gilman. Despite losing Nnamdi Madubuike, they haven’t made any changes to the defensive line. The Ravens still have some solid linebacker guys like Teddye Buchanan, who’s carving out a name for himself, and Roquan Smith continues to be impactful. With Kyle Van Noy likely hitting the free agent market this upcoming offseason, Key could be a solid replacement to keep this linebacker room afloat while Trenton Simpson and rookie Mike Green develop.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are 2-3 and need a boost either on offense or defense. While they need a new running back and wide receiver, they could use some help on defense. They did get help in their linebacker unit through an emerging Jack Cochrane, but Drue Tranquill and Leo Chenal continue to show average abilities. Nick Bolton won’t get fewer snaps, but an Arden Key trade could help boost this pass-rush.
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