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Jaguars officially sign defensive end Arden Key

The Jaguars continue to bolster its defensive line with the addition of Arden Key.

NFC Divisional Playoffs - San Francisco 49ers v Green Bay Packers Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images

Today, the Jaguars announced that they’ve signed defensive lineman Arden Key, another player to join their now nine-man free agency class this year.

Key, 25, most recently played with the San Francisco 49ers in 2021 after being selected by the Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft out of LSU. Key visited Jacksonville on March 22 and has taken a tour of sorts around the NFL before ultimately deciding that Jacksonville was the place to sign with.

According to NFL Media’s Mike Garafolo, Key will sign a one-year deal worth up to $7M, a potential cash-in for the young defensive lineman still searching for a long-term deal.

In four years, Key has started just 10 games, while playing in 54 total. He’s accumulated 9.5 sacks, 71 combined tackles (45 solos), 13 tackles for loss and 43 quarterback hits. His best season would come in 2021 with the 49ers, accounting for 6.5 sacks, five TFLs and 17 QBHs.

Key’s versatility is likely one reason for the move, as he’s shown the ability to rush the passer from both the DE position and inside at the three-technique position.

Key, in signing with Jacksonville, will reunite with defensive line coach Brentson Buckner, who coached the Raiders’ defensive line in 2019. Key will figure to be installed heavily into Jacksonville’s rotation outside, a group that right now includes Dawaune Smoot, Josh Allen and K’Lavon Chaisson as the primary pass rushers.