The Tennessee Titans experienced a disheartening defeat against the Detroit Lions, falling 52-14, marking one of the most significant losses in franchise history. This crushing outcome further deepens the Titans’ struggles, pushing their record to a disappointing 1-6. However, amidst this turmoil, there is a silver lining: the Titans now sit in the second overall position for the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft, presenting an opportunity for the organization to rethink its strategy.
In light of recent trades involving key players like DeAndre Hopkins and Ernest Jones IV, it seems that general manager Ran Carthon is open to making further moves to enhance the team’s future prospects. With that in mind, one veteran player who could attract interest in the trade market is EDGE Arden Key. Although Key has had a challenging season after being elevated to a full-time starting role alongside Harold Landry, he demonstrated potential in the game against the Lions, arguably putting forth his best performance of the year.
Starting with a BOOM 💥 @ArdenKeyEl
📺: Watch #TENvsDET on @NFLonFOX stream on NFL+ pic.twitter.com/S74lMhEq8a
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) October 27, 2024
Key made an impact early in the game, showcasing his speed and ability to disrupt plays. On the Lions’ very first offensive play, he managed to zip past left tackle Taylor Decker, securing his third sack of the season. Following the game, Key commented on his performance, emphasizing the importance of game tape as a player’s resume. This statement underscores his motivation to showcase his abilities, especially against a formidable opponent like the Lions, who are viewed as contenders for the Super Bowl this season.
Despite the Titans’ overall poor showing, Key’s performance was noteworthy, especially considering the Lions were without their star pass rusher, Aidan Hutchinson, due to a season-ending injury. The Titans’ defense struggled throughout the game, managing only one sack on quarterback Mason Rudolph, which highlighted the need for a more effective pass rush. This inefficiency in the defensive lineup may make Key an attractive target for teams in need of pass-rushing help.
Key is under contract through 2026 on a three-year deal, which presents both advantages and considerations for potential suitors. His base salary is set to increase to $6.5 million next season, with a cap charge of $9.3 million, raising questions about his future in Tennessee. There is speculation that he could be a candidate for release as a post-June cap casualty, which would free up $7 million for the team. This financial flexibility might entice other franchises looking for a temporary boost to their pass rush as they aim for playoff contention.
In his game against the Lions, Key played with notable intensity and determination, perhaps motivated by the idea of joining a contender that could benefit from his skill set. The Lions, who need to bolster their pass rush, could find Key to be a viable option after witnessing his performance against their offensive line. Given the Titans’ need to acquire a starting-caliber pass rusher in the offseason, trading Key for a draft pick could be a strategic move, allowing the team to rebuild while giving Key a chance to contribute to a playoff push elsewhere.
Ultimately, the Titans find themselves at a critical juncture. The combination of their disappointing record and the potential for high draft picks could signal a shift in their approach to building the team. As the trade deadline approaches, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the Titans opt to part ways with veterans like Arden Key in hopes of securing valuable assets for the future.
