The Jacksonville Jaguars went on a spending spree in 2022. Among the players they signed in free agency that year were linebacker Foyesade Oluokun, wide receiver Christian Kirk, and tight end Evan Engram. One that isn't discussed nearly as much is defensive end Arden Key. All four played a huge role in the Jags' 2022 turnaround.
While Foyesade Oluokun, Kirk, and Engram stuck around longer, Key left after the 2022 season and latched onto the rival Tennessee Titans. Fast forward to 2025, and Jacksonville could use a boost in the pass rush. Maybe it's time to reach out to its AFC South foe and arrange a reunion.
The Tennessee Titans could place Arden Key on the trade block
Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reports that Tennessee is expected to be active ahead of the trade deadline, noting that defensive end Arden Key, cornerback Roger McCreary, and tight end Chig Okonkwo could be available because all three are slated to hit the open market in 2026. Here's the skinny.
"The Titans were already poised to be active at the trade deadline, and the Callahan firing only expedites that process," Fowler wrote. "They know they need draft capital to rebuild the roster. Edge rusher Arden Key, cornerback Roger McCreary and tight end Chig Okonkwo are among players on my radar. There could be more."
Fowler continued, "But those three are 2026 free agents and do not appear in the long-term vision of the franchise. And the plan right now is to keep defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons. He's unquestionably the Titans' best player and turns 28 in July."
As Fowler noted, the Titans just kicked Brian Callahan to the curb after racking up just four wins in 23 games dating back to his hiring in 2024. Mike McCoy, who was the Jaguars quarterbacks coach during the Doug Pederson era, will serve as the interim the remainder of the season.
Tennessee general manager Mike Borgonzi inherited McCreary, Key, and Okonwko, so it's understandable that he may not want to keep them around. By trading them, he could get assets to bring in his own guys.
Why the Jaguars need to reach out to the Titans about Arden Key
The Jaguars could use help at defensive tackle. Trading for Jeffery Simmons would be huge, but based on Jeremy Fowler's scoop. That said, getting Arden Key would be of huge help.
A third-round pick by the Las Vegas (then Oakland) Raiders in 2018, Key got off to a slow start to his NFL career, logging a measly three sacks in his first three seasons. By 2021, the Silver & Black had had enough of the former LSU Tiger and released him. The San Francisco 49ers swooped in and claimed him not long after. He went on to have a breakout year during his brief stint in the Bay Area.
With the 49ers, Key logged a career best 6.5 sacks. He then signed a one-year deal with the Jags in 2022. The Atlanta, Georgia native picked up where he left off and registered 4.5 quarterback takedowns. He made it clear he wanted to stay in Jacksonville long term but felt disrespected by the offer the Jags made him.
Key ended up signing a three-year deal worth $21 million with the Titans and has remained his productive self, registering 14 sacks and four forced fumbles in 38 games. If he were to return to the Jags, he would be a great rotational piece behind Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen. While the duo has done a good job of getting after the quarterback, Dawuane Smoot and Emmanuel Ogbah have been somewhat underwhelming.
If Tennessee were interested in sending Key to the Jags, which could be tough since divisional trade, maybe a pair of draft picks, a fifth and a seventh, could get a deal done. The Jaguars have nine selections on Day 3, so they're most definitely in a position to bring back Key.
Aside from Key, there may be other pass rushers available at the trade deadline. Trey Hendrickson leads the list, and the Jaguars will hit it out of the ballpark if they sign him. That said, Arden Key is far from a consolation prize.