The Jacksonville Jaguars haven’t made many moves in free agency since the first week. However, they inked former San Francisco 49ers defensive end Arden Key to a one-year deal on Wednesday. NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported the details of his contract on Thursday.
Key’s contract comes with a $1.5 million base salary that is fully guaranteed. He also receives a $1.5 million signing bonus. Key will earn a $500,000 workout bonus and a $500,000 bonus for every game he’s included on the Jacksonville roster. All of those figures make up his $4 million base salary. He also has $3 million in sack and Pro Bowl incentives that could earn him the max value of $7 million.
General manager Trent Baalke and head coach Doug Pederson’s decision to sign Key to a one-year deal was a brilliant one. Key comes to the Jaguars after a career season with the 49ers. He recorded 6.5 sacks, five tackles for loss, and 17 quarterback hits last season. In his first three seasons in the NFL, Key failed to post more than two sacks in a single season with the Raiders.
The Jaguars entered the 2022 NFL offseason with a need for more pass rushers and to find an edge rusher that could relieve some pressure off of Josh Allen. Key is a cheap option that will help the team and could end up playing from multiple spots.
However, Jacksonville will likely take Michigan defensive end, Aidan Hutchinson, with the No. 1 overall pick this month in hopes that he and Allen can become a fearsome pass-rushing duo.
