Report: Ex-49ers DL Arden Key to Visit With Jaguars

The Jacksonville Jaguars will reportedly be hosting a second free-agent defender this week, with former Raiders and 49ers defensive lineman Arden Key set to meet with the team.

According to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, Key is visiting with the Jaguars today after visiting with the Detroit Lions on Monday night. The Jaguars also hosted former Titans first-round pick and linebacker Rashaan Evans on Monday night.

Another visit for DL Arden Key: He’s meeting with the #Jaguars in Jacksonville today, source says. Sounds like the #Lions are still very much in play but Key is taking his pre-planned visits. https://t.co/66TwpvZeRQ
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 22, 2022

Key, who was coached by Jaguars defensive line coach Brentson Buckner in 2019, had a career resurgence with the 49ers last season. In 17 regular-season games in 2021, Key set career-highs in sacks (6.5), tackles for loss (5), quarterback hits (17), and pressures (36).

Originally a third-round selection (No. 87) by the Raiders in the 2018 NFL Draft, Key has appeared in 54 games in his career, starting 10. During that time he has recorded 9.5 sacks, 43 quarterback hits, 13 tackles for loss, and 104 pressures.

The Jaguars signed seven free agents during the first wave of free agency, adding wide receivers Christian Kirk and Zay Jones, tight end Evan Engram, cornerback Darious Williams, guard Brandon Scherff, linebacker Foyesade Oluokun, and defensive tackle Foley Fatukasi.

The Jaguars hold the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft and are widely expected to use it on an edge rusher, with most mocks having Michigan edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson set to be the Jaguars' top pick.

Still, the Jaguars have yet to add to the pass-rush in free agency this year and Key fits the mold of pass-rusher that general manager Trent Baalke has favored in the past with his length and inside/out versatility.