The Tennessee Titans entered the 2025 campaign with several new faces at the EDGE position. The most notable returning pass rusher was Arden Key. The Titans hoped Key would be more productive this year, to help improve a pass-rushing unit that struggled throughout 2024.
Unfortunately, Key hasn't met expectations. He's registered 1.5 sacks through five contests. The Titans collectively have recorded just seven quarterback takedowns.
Key is on an expiring contract. He was signed to a three-year contract by previous general manager Ran Carthon. New decision makers Mike Borgonzi and Chad Brinker will almost certainly let him walk in free agency this coming offseason.
Arden Key is entering his final stretch with the Tennessee Titans
The rebuilding Titans could consider trading Key during November's trade deadline in exchange for additional draft capital. Key hasn't been productive this campaign, but teams are always looking for veteran pass-rush help. The Titans would probably accept a late-round pick swap.
Key has totaled just nine quarterback pressures in five appearances. His first sack of the campaign occurred in Week 4 against a leaky Houston Texans offensive line, and he was credited with another half-sack versus the Arizona Cardinals in Week 5. Defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson was hoping for more production from his most familiar pass rusher.
Key's pass-rush-win-rate of 11.8% ranks fourth among Titans EDGEs, per Pro Football Focus. League-wide, he's tied for 80th in that department. Newcomers Jihad Ward (14.8%) and Dre'Mont Jones (13.7%), have better in-house win percentages despite being disappointing themselves. Even rookie EDGE Femi Oladejo recently surpassed him (14.3%) in that department.
The Titans mismanaged the EDGE position this offseason, but Key isn't meeting the expectations attached to his $7 million annual salary, either. Borgonzi is rebuilding the Titans in his vision, and Key is a player he inherited from the disastrous regime that preceded him. Expect the Titans' pass-rushing room to look drastically different in 2026.