2023 NFL Free Agency: Jaguars Lose Arden Key to Titans

The Jaguars have a big hole to replace in the middle of their defense.

The Jacksonville Jaguars just suffered their biggest loss of free agency. 

According to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, Jaguars' pass-rusher Arden Key will not be returning to Jacksonville for a second season, instead signing a three-year, $21 million deal with $13 million in guarantees with the Tennessee Titans.

The #Titans have agreed to terms with DL Arden Key on a three-year, $21 million deal with a max value of $24 million that includes $13 million fully guaranteed at signing, source says. After 4.5 sacks with the #Jaguars last season, Key cashes in.

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 15, 2023

Not only is one of the Jaguars' top pass-rushers from a year ago now officially off the roster entering a win-now season, but he is joining forces with the Jaguars' most bitter rival -- a rival Key helped topple twice last season.

No pass-rusher was more efficient for the Jaguars in 2022 than Key. While playing mostly as a rotational player and sub-package edge rusher, Key led the Jaguars' defensive line and edge rushers in pass-rush win-rate and was second on the team in pressures and quarterback hits despite not being an every-down player. When injuries hit, it was Key who stepped up.

Appearing in 20 games for the Jaguars, Key recorded 4.5 sacks and five tackles for loss.

"Key made the most of a one-year flier with the Jaguars after a strong 2021 season with the San Francisco 49ers that got his career back on track, earning his second consecutive 70.0-plus pass-rush grade to go along with 90 combined quarterback pressures and 11 sacks over the stretch," Pro Football Focus wrote.

"Key’s 14.6% pressure percentage over the past two seasons ties for 17th among edge defenders, and he’s still an ascending player with the ability to rush the passer from all over the defensive line."