5 most underrated moves the Jacksonville Jaguars made this offseason

No. 5 Jaguars underrated move this offseason – Signing DL Arden Key

No process is linear and defensive lineman Arden Key knows that firsthand. A third-round pick in the 2018 draft, the former LSU Tiger has experienced many ups and downs throughout his NFL career. Back when the Las Vegas Raiders chose him, he was seen as a hidden gem and someone could turn into a premier pass rusher.

However, Key didn’t live up to expectations, and after starting 10 games as a rookie, he became an afterthought in the Raiders’ defensive line rotation and was released after the 2020 season. He was then claimed off waivers by the San Francisco 49ers and went on to have a breakout year. Although Key didn’t start a single game for the Niners in 2021, he logged a career-high 6.5 sacks and became a key cog in their defensive front.

In spite of his success, San Francisco let Key walk away in free agency and was promptly poached by the Jaguars, where he reunited with defensive line coach Brentson Buckner, his position coach in 2018. Key will join a front seven that includes edge rushers Josh Allen, Dawuane Smoot, and Travon Walker.

Key might not get a feature role but will be a valuable piece of the Jags’ defensive line rotation. His versatility to line up anywhere across the defensive line should help him earn playing time, and it wouldn’t be shocking to see him finish the year with more than five or six sacks in a complementary role.