Tennessee Titans EDGE Arden Key is close to returning the starting lineup from an injury. The timing couldn't be more perfect, with the NFL trade deadline (Nov. 4) approaching. Key is one of the Titans' most tradeable assets, after the team traded cornerback Roger McCreary to the Los Angeles Rams earlier this week.
The veteran pass rusher was signed to a three-year contract by previous GM Ran Carthon. Key is now in the final year of that deal and Mike Borgonzi probably doesn't have him in his future team-building plans. Key's expiring contract makes him a candidate to be traded for draft-pick compensation.
Plenty of postseason contenders are searching for proven pass-rush help at the trade deadline. For Key, his best fit couldn't be more obvious. The San Francisco 49ers need a productive EDGE after losing Nick Bosa to a season-ending injury earlier this campaign.
Titans EDGE Arden Key is a painfully obvious good fit for the San Francisco 49ers at the NFL trade deadline
Key played for the 49ers in 2021. He recorded a career-high 6.5 sacks that season. GM John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan are still present from that team and remain familiar with Key's abilities. Even the defensive line (Kris Kocurek) and linebackers (Johnny Holland) coaches are still on Shanahan's staff.
The 49ers miss Bosa badly. Following the conclusion of Week 8, Robert Saleh's defense ranks 30th in sacks with nine quarterback takedowns. Even the Titans' lackluster pass rush has been more productive. Key would join Bryce Huff as the 49ers' lone veteran pass rushers.
Dre'Mont Jones and Jihad Ward have been the Titans' most productive pass rushers. Rookie Femi Oladejo should eventually be healthy enough to be activated from IR. The Titans wouldn't necessarily miss Key.
Borgonzi and Chad Brinker intend to rebuild the roster around franchise quarterback Cam Ward through the draft. Trading assets on expiring contracts like Key for additional draft capital can help accelerate that process. Key was once productive for the 49ers, and their current need for a pass rusher makes them the ideal trade partner.