The Tennessee Titans inked edge rusher Arden Key to a three-year, $21 million deal with the hope he can fill the voids off the edge left by the departures of Bud Dupree and DeMarcus Walker.
When making his decision in free agency, Key said he was attracted to the Titans because of their defensive front, naming Jeffery Simmons, Harold Landry and Denico Autry as players he’s excited to join.
He also called the group “bullies” and said he has the same mentality, which makes him a perfect fit in Tennessee.
“You see that D-line?” Key asked, per ESPN’s Turron Davenport. “I mean, Big Jeff, Denico Autry, Harold Landry coming back on the edge. It was self-explanatory there, just being with those guys.
“Playing against Tennessee, it was always Tennessee’s D-line was bullies, that’s how they play,” he added. “Everything was a bully; we’re going to bully the offensive linemen. That’s the type of play I play with; I’m a bully on the football field and I feel like I fit right in with these guys.”
New #Titans EDGE Arden Key called the DLine bullies, pointing out Jeffery Simmons and Denico Autry specifically. Said he's a bully as well and will fit right in. pic.twitter.com/ODrYa2QqFQ
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) March 20, 2023
During his presser, Key was asked why he didn’t stick around in either San Francisco or Jacksonville, his two previous stops. He admitted he felt disrespected by the Jags, who he thought he would stay with.
“With Jacksonville, it was a shock to me,” Key admitted, per Paul Kuharsky. “After the year, I thought I was going to be a Jacksonville Jaguar.
“But I felt disrespected because I came over there, built up the culture, brought a whole lot of energy, changed the city, changed the town, and I felt like — in my rightful mind — I was going to be a Jacksonville Jaguar. That didn’t happen, but I still love the players, love the teammates, love the city, love the fans, but, yeah, we’ve got to see them twice.”
As far as what his role with the Titans will be, Key, who figures to at least see more playing time than he did in Jacksonville or San Fran, is aiming to be an every-down player after serving in rotational roles for much of his career.
Arden Key said he wants to become a three-down outside linebacker. He also said he came to Tennessee on one of his college visits back in 2018.
— Terry McCormick (@terrymc13) March 20, 2023
Key was no doubt exuding the energy he talked about bringing to the Jaguars during his introductory presser and was easily the most impressive of all the free-agent signings who spoke on Monday. He’s going to be a great addition to the locker room.
Arden Key seems like a "talker" and fun guy – something that has been missing from the #Titans locker room for a while and would be a welcome return as a confident guy that exudes confidence and likes to talk.
— Terry McCormick (@terrymc13) March 20, 2023
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