Potential Trade Destinations for Titans Edge rusher Arden Key

Tennessee Titans edge rusher Arden Key has come alive over the last few weeks, posting four sacks and six tackles for loss over the last three games. The veteran has been involved in trade rumors due to the Titans' abysmal performance this season, and it would be logical for general manager Ran Carthon to deal the former LSU standout, as Key doesn't have a long-term future in Nashville and could fetch a decent draft pick on the open market.

A ton of teams will be interested in Key, so here are the top landing spots for the veteran pass rusher, ranked from most likely to least likely.

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The Favorite: Arizona Cardinals

Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported on Saturday that the Cardinals have already called the Titans about Key's availability, so this seems destined to happen. Arizona is atop the NFC West with a 5-4 record, but the team struggles to generate pressure and desperately needs pass-rushing help. The Cardinals did notch six sacks in their Week 9 victory over the Bears, but Jonathan Gannon's squad ranks in the bottom portion of the league in quarterback pressures.

Key would immediately step in as a starter on Arizona's defense and have the chance to compete for a division title.

UPDATE: The Cardinals traded for edge Baron Browning from the Broncos, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Arizona could still trade for Key, but the odds have gone down.

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Strong Contenders: Detroit Lions and Atlanta Falcons

The Lions' pass-rushing department has been ravaged by injuries, as Aidan Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport are out for the season. Key obviously wouldn't fill the shoes of Hutchinson, but the veteran would bolster Detroit's defense and won't be too expensive to acquire.

The Falcons pass rush has been lackluster in 2024, so the team should be in the market for an edge rusher at the deadline. Key isn't a game-wrecker, but would be a solid addition to a pass-rush group that lacks talent and high-end production outside of Matthew Judon.

49ers.com

Teams who could be in the market: Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers

The Ravens don't have an urgent need for an edge rusher, but defensive coordinator Zachary Orr loves to rotate fresh bodies at the position, so Baltimore could view Key as a valuable rotational piece. Outside of Nick Bosa and Leonard Floyd, the 49ers lack production on the defensive line. Acquiring a familiar face in Key to strengthen the unit would be a savvy move from general manager John Lynch.

ESPN

The Dark Horse: Washington Commanders

The Commanders have been the biggest surprise team of the season, sitting at 7-2 and with sole possession of first place in the NFC East. The pass-rushing unit in Washington is steadily improving, but the team's only viable players in the edge rusher room are Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler Jr. Adding Key will benefit the position group on and off the field and give a youthful Commanders team a veteran voice in the locker room.