Tennessee Titans EDGE rusher Arden Key is facing a six-game suspension for violating the league's drug-enhancing policy. The news was broken on Tuesday morning by Paul Kuharsky. It represents a massive, massive blow to Tennessee's defense.
#Titans' Edge Arden Key Facing Six-Game Suspension https://t.co/LRM6tqX63u
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) July 30, 2024
Key was the Titans' third-most snapped edge defender last season at 728 plays, according to Pro Football Reference. The former LSU standout finished third on the team in sacks with 6.0 quarterback takedowns, trailing just Denico Autry (11.5) and Harold Landry III (10.5).
Autry, who was suspended for his own drug-enhancing violation earlier this week, joined the Houston Texans in free agency earlier this offseason. His departure was to promote Key to every-down starter opposite Landry in Dennard Wilson's new-look defense this season. The Titans are now forced to survive the first six games of the 2024 season without Key.
If Key's six-game suspension holds, he'll be eligible to return versus the Detroit Lions in Week 8. The Titans have a Week 5 bye. Key is slated to miss contests against the Chicago Bears, New York Jets, Green Bay Packers, Miami Dolphins, Indianapolis Colts, and Buffalo Bills. Somewhat luckily for the Titans, that slate includes just one game versus an AFC South opponent.
The Titans lack the depth at EDGE required to casually absorb Key's suspension. The roster's current construction indicates Rashad Weaver is likely in-line to inherit Key's workload. Seventh-round rookie Jaylen Harrell would be another benefactor.
Second-year undrafted free agents Thomas Rush and Caleb Murphy could see increased chances to make the initial 53-man roster as rotational pass rushers. The Titans also signed veteran pass rusher Shane Ray last week, who has made some standout plays during training camp practices.
Key joined the Titans last offseason via a three-year contract in free agency worth $21 million. His familiarity with general manager Ran Carthon helped lure him to Tennessee. Key and Carthon spent the 2021 season together with the San Francisco 49ers.
Pro Football Focus credited Key with a pass-rushing grade of 73.0 last season. He accumulated 40 quarterback pressures and 29 hurries. His absence means the Titans will be more reliant on pressure from interior defenders Jeffery Simmons and T'Vondre Sweat.
Carthon and head coach Brian Callahan could consider turning to free agency for a veteran pass rusher. The list of available players is dwindling. One name that could intrigue the Titans' decision makers is Carl Lawson, who played for Callahan and the Cincinnati Bengals from 2017 to 2020.