Pros and cons of the Detroit Lions trade for Arden Key

The Detroit Lions held the pitch and dominated for much of Sunday’s game against the Tennessee Titans. Although they controlled most of the game, there were times early on when the Titans defense pushed the Lions offense back.

A big catalyst for that effort was outside linebacker Arden Key, who had two early sacks. He beat Taylor Decker on the first down from scrimmage, then got another when Goff was forced to step in the pocket.

Coincidentally, the Lions need pass rush help after losing star cornerback Aidan Hutchinson for the season. Detroit has struggled at quarterback in the weeks since Hutchinson’s injury, and as a result is considered a team that could be active in adding help.

While elite tight ends Myles Garrett and Max Crosby are the team’s top targets, their status combined with position value and current contract status could make deals very difficult. Meanwhile, a player like Key could indeed be a potential option for lions to make a deal.

First, the Titans have already made a few trades after going 1-6 on the season. Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and linebacker Ernest Jones IV were moved before the game against Detroit, and the Titans have plenty of other assets to give away.

MORE: Lions not in ‘panic mode’ due to lack of pressure

Key has one more year of team control after this season as he is in the second year of a three-year, $21 million contract signed through 2023. He struggled to register sacks all season as he had just one start in the game. against lionsbut was productive throughout his career.

Key was a third-round pick of the Raiders in 2018 and has 23 career sacks. His career high of 6.5 came in one season with San Francisco in 2021, and he also suited up for the Jacksonville Jaguars in addition to the Raiders, 49ers and now the Titans.

With the Titans, Key played more at outside linebacker, but had experience in defense earlier in his career. It will fit perfectly inside lions“A pass rushing scheme, as his large frame and athletic profile mesh well with Detroit’s defensive style.

While a deal for a higher-profile rusher could require general manager Brad Holmes to part with valuable draft capital, a trade for Key could leave the Lions with only one choice. This can be a decisive factor for Detroitwho values ​​the pick and has thrived in the draft under Holmes.

coach Dan Campbell publicly stated that the team is looking for more of a role player than a breakout star in its effort to get defensive help. Key is a talented option that would fit the bill.

If Key becomes available, he could be a nice pick for the Lions, getting an extra year of team control that would give the Lions additional depth through 2025.