If there’s one thing the San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions have in common, it’s their need for an edge rusher.
The 49ers were dealt a devastating blow along the edge after Nick Bosa suffered a torn ACL that ended his season early.
The Lions are dealing with an injury to Marcus Davenport, who doesn’t have a return date yet, and only have Al-Quadin Muhammad across from Aidan Hutchinson.
CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones believes both the Niners and Lions could have interest in Tennessee Titans edge rusher Arden Key.
Jones links Detroit to Key based on the Lions’ pre-draft interest in him, although Key was drafted before the current Lions regime took over. As for San Francisco, Jones points out that Key spent one season there, so the team is familiar with him.
“One name I could absolutely see getting dealt is edge rusher Arden Key. I’m keeping an eye on the Lions and 49ers. Detroit had strong interest in Key in the pre-draft process, and the Niners had Key in 2021,” Jones wrote.
Key is most definitely a logical trade candidate. The Titans stink and could have a fire sale at the trade deadline and Key is in the final year of his contract.
Through five games this season, Key has 1.5 sacks. In the previous two campaigns with Tennessee, Key notched six and 6.5 sacks. He also notched 6.5 sacks with the Niners in 2021 and has 28 sacks in total during his career.
While Key wouldn’t come close to filling Bosa’s shoes, he would still no doubt be a welcomed addition, and one that wouldn’t cost much, so San Francisco can stick to their goal of a transition year and still upgrade their pass-rush.
Key is a great fit in Detroit, as the Lions don’t need a top-flight pass-rusher with Hutchinson on the other side. Key would provide just the right kind of depth the Lions need.
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