A day after the news about Denico Autry’s suspension broke, another AFC South pass rusher is set to start the season late. Titans outside linebacker Arden Key is facing a six-game suspension, according to ESPN.com’s Turron Davenport.
Heading into his second year with the Titans, Key has violated the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs. He started nine games for the Titans last season and is under a three-year, $21 million contract signed during the 2023 free agency period.
Titans head coach Brian Callahan commented, “I don’t have much to say until the league makes an official statement. It’s not ideal, but we have to play with what we have.”
With Autry’s departure, Key was expected to play a more significant role, as the Titans planned to have him start alongside Harold Landry. The Titans’ pass rush, which previously included Landry, Key, Autry, and Jeffery Simmons, will now be weakened.
Autry led the Titans with 11.5 sacks last season, while Landry contributed 10.5 after returning from an ACL injury. Key added six sacks, finishing third on the team in that category. This suspension will also nullify the remaining guarantees on Key’s contract, but since there were no guarantees left beyond 2024, it likely won’t impact him financially.
The Titans may now look to bring in an external addition to bolster their edge rush, given the thin roster after Autry’s departure to the Texans. Rashad Weaver, who started four games in 2022, could step up alongside Landry if needed. Seventh-round pick Jaylen Harrell and 2023 undrafted free agent Caleb Murphy are also options for the other side.
