New Titans’ Pass Rusher Arden Key Looking to be a “Bully”

NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Titans signed five new players in week one of free agency and one of the most exciting moves was bringing edge rusher Arden Key to Nashville. Key will have an opportunity to join an already fierce defensive line group. From what Key had to say on day one, sounds like he will fit right in.

Key will come over to the Titans after a season with the division rival Jacksonville Jaguars. Key had 4.5 sacks in 2022 in a limited role, but will look to not only expand his role, but expand his production along with it. Key should be able to take advantage of situations created by all the attention that will go to his teammates. Listening to Key’s comments and it is obvious the talent that will be around him was a big part of his decision.

“You see that d-line,” Key asked in a joking manner. “I mean, Big Jeff(Simmons), 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 d-line was bullies.’ That’s how they play. Everything was a bully, we’re going to bully the offensive line. That is the type of play I play with. I’m a bully on the football field and I’m going to 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

Key will have a great opportunity to show that he is a bully on the Titans’ defensive front. With the release of Bud Dupree, Landry coming back off a torn ACL and Rashad Weaver only going into his third season, there is a major opportunity on the edge for snaps to be had. Key played a reserve role behind pass rushers Josh Allen and rookie Trayvon Walker last season, but he will not have as much competition for snaps this season.

Key is right, the Titans’ defensive line does play like bullies when they are at their best. So, Key has a chance to come right in and feed off that energy to continue and build on that “bully” mentality. Sounds like Key is planning on doing exactly that.

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