New Titans pass rusher Arden Key is ready to make the Jacksonville Jaguars pay
New Tennessee Titans pass rusher Arden Key feels “disrespected” by the Jacksonville Jaguars after testing free agency.
There is no love lost between new Tennessee Titans pass rusher Arden Key and the division rival Jacksonville Jaguars, whom he played for in 2022.
Key was a major piece in Jacksonville's much improved defense and rise to the top of the AFC South last season. Key was third on the team with 4.5 sacks and second on the team with 15 QB hits despite playing on only 40.84 percent of defensive snaps.
In addition to his on-field contributions, Key was a larger than life presence in the Jaguars' locker room. He brought contagious energy and natural leadership to Jacksonville, two qualities that are worth keeping around.
Despite Key's 2022 impact, Jacksonville opted not to bring him back in free agency this offseason. Key told Titans media during his introductory press conference on Monday that he found that decision both surprising and disrespectful.
"With Jacksonville it was a shock to me, I ain't gonna lie," Key said about not being brought back by the Jaguars. "After the year, I thought I was going to be a Jacksonville Jaguar. I felt disrespected because I came over there, built up the culture, brought a whole lot of energy, changed the city, changed the town. In my rightful mind, I was going to be a Jacksonville Jaguar, but that didn't happen."
"I still love the players, love the teammates, love the city, love the fans, but yeah… we gotta see them twice," Key said with a big smile.
2023 should present Key with his fair share of opportunities to make his former team regret letting him leave.
Not only will the Titans square off with the Jaguars twice this season, it's likely that Key will be given more defensive chances than he has had in the past. Being a regular starter and a "three down guy" was another draw to signing with the Titans, Key said on Monday.
Key is going to be an immediate fan favorite in Nashville. He called himself an "energizer bunny" and "bully" during Monday's presser, and referred to his love for hitting quarterbacks on numerous occasions.
Titans fans would sure love to see Key get a few hits on his former teammate Trevor Lawrence next season, and it's clear the 26-year-old pass rusher is looking to make his old squad pay.
Image via Bob Self/Florida Times-Union-USA TODAY NETWORK
