2 underrated pass rushers the Titans could pursue in wake of Arden Key suspension

Charles Harris

Charles Harris finally showed signs of living up to his 2017 first-round billing in 2021 when he recorded a career-high 7.5 sacks as a member of the Detroit Lions. Unfortunately for Harris and the Lions, that momentum did not carry over to 2022 and 2023. A groin injury derailed his follow-up season, and ineffectiveness had him replaced by Dan Campbell midway through this past campaign.

Harris totaled 52 pressures during that 2021 campaign and obviously had some pedigree as a former 22nd overall pick. Titans linebackers coach Frank Bush spent two seasons (2017-18) with Harris in Miami, so he'll have intel into what makes the former Missouri man tick. He's still 29 and qualifies as a potentially intriguing reclamation project.

Shaq Lawson

Shaq Lawson has been a rotational pass rusher for most of his career. Like Harris, he hasn't met his first-round expectations, but has been just effective enough to continue receiving chances. The former Clemson performer spent the past two seasons with the Buffalo Bills, the franchise that originally drafted him 19th overall in the 2016 NFL Draft.

Lawson had just one sack this past season and 3.5 in 2022. His career-high in the quarterback takedown department occurred in 2019 (6.5). Lawson has a reputation for being a stout run defender, though he earned a lackluster 52.0 grade from Pro Football Focus in that department throughout 2023.

Conclusion

Carl Lawson is the free-agent pass rusher the Titans should show maximum interest in, though he's working out for the Dallas Cowboys following a season-ending injury to one of their depth pass rushers. The Steelers signed Markus Golden on Thursday, though sources confirmed the Titans never reached out to Golden.

The Titans need to find a solution for Key's suspension, though the options are swiftly dwindling.