The Las Vegas Raiders renounced Arden Key’s defensive end earlier this week and he was subsequently unclaimed, making him an unrestricted free agent who could sign with any team.
Note: New York Giants.
The Giants have done a great job filling out their off-season roster, but they remain weak in two key areas: edge rusher and offensive line. And while Key wouldn’t help the latter, he could help the former.
A third-round pick of the Raiders in the 2018 NFL draft, Key has appeared in 37 career games (10 starts) and recorded 49 tackles (eight for a loss), two defended passes, 26 QB hits and 3.0 sacks.
No, Key’s stats aren’t exactly jumping off the screen, screaming, “This is the answer along the edge!” The Giants wouldn’t look to Key to fulfill that groundbreaking role, but rather would view him as quality depth and competition that would head to training camp in July.
The six-foot 240-pound Key has not become the type of player many would have hoped for, but he still plays quality football when healthy and can be useful in a particular role.
Key, 24, struggles with the run and is not a top-end tackler, but has shown flashes chasing the likes of Patrick Mahomes, taking Pro Football Focus pass-rushes of 56.1, 63.0 and 62 , 0 during his first three seasons.
FanDuel has even called the Giants a “most likely destination” for Key.
The New York Giants are another team looking for an astute rusher to take the tour. Key won’t fix all of their problems, but at least he will be a workaround. The Giants have the No. 11 pick, which they could use for their offensive line needs instead of the EDGE position. They can then use another choice to pitch someone on the position if they are unsure that Key will start for the entire 2021 season.
Adding key wouldn’t be a flashy signing for the Giants, but for a team looking to build their depth and bolster the backend of their roster, it certainly makes sense.