Lions’ trade proposal for Titans edge rusher Arden Key, cost Detroit takes on, and what they have to give up

Part one of our series breaking down the cost for trading for edge rushers

Mike Payton — Detroit Lions Beat Writer
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Arden Key, Titans Edge Defender
Denny Simmons / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK

The NFL trade deadline is right around the corner on Nov. 4. We know that the Detroit Lions are already making calls looking for an edge rusher.

With that in mind, we will be taking a look at each edge rusher that could be available for trade, and we’ll put together a proposal and go over what the cost of each deal could be and what the Lions could get from each player.

Lions trade proposal for Titans edge rusher Arden Key

OK, let’s start with what the Lions get out of Key. If you’re expecting him to come in and be a starter or someone who plays every snap of the game, that’s not what you’re getting. What Key can be for the Lions is a good rotational player on the edge.

He’s someone who can replace Josh Paschal, who we’re not sure about at this time. Key and Al-Quadin Muhammad could do some real work opposite Aidan Hutchinson.

This season, Key has nine pressures and two sacks. His production has dipped quite a bit, but the Titans are the worst team in the league right now. With Hutchinson and McNeill, Key could have a lot more chances at one-on-ones. OK, let’s get to the trade proposal.

Lions get: Arden Key
Titans get: 2026 sixth-round pick

The Titans won’t get more than that for Key. For the Lions, they have multiple sixth-round picks to move. They could keep the one they got from the Jaguars and send over their own, which should be lower.

In terms of contract cost for the Lions, Key is in the final year of his deal, and since this is a deadline deal, the Lions take on a prorated amount of his base salary, something in the ballpark of $3 million. This is an inexpensive deal for the Lions, and rotationally it makes a lot of sense. That’s why we’re starting this series here. This is the one that feels the most possible.

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