The Cardinals have expressed interest in Giants’ edge rusher Azeez Ojulari, but Arizona’s pursuit of a pass rusher extends beyond him.
According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, the Cardinals have also contacted the Titans about a trade for defensive end Arden Key.
Key, 28, is under contract with Tennessee through 2025 with a reasonable $6.5 million salary for next season. While the 1-6 Titans are sellers at this year’s trade deadline, they aren’t obligated to trade Key unless they receive a compelling offer.
Despite the Giants setting a high price for Ojulari, it’s unlikely they’ll receive more than a Day 3 draft pick, which could enhance Tennessee’s leverage in talks around Key.
Originally a third-round pick by the Raiders, Key found stability with 11 sacks and 32 QB hits over the 2021-22 seasons with the 49ers and Jaguars, leading to a three-year, $21 million contract with the Titans in 2023.
In his first season with Tennessee, Key registered six sacks and 12 QB hits. This season, he has three sacks and six QB hits through seven games, earning a solid 70.3 pass rush grade from Pro Football Focus.
The 4-4 Cardinals, unexpectedly leading the NFC West, have dealt with significant injuries on the defensive line. GM Monti Ossenfort confirmed that he’s exploring trade options to improve their pass rush.
At October’s end, Lions head coach Dan Campbell hinted Detroit might address its EDGE needs after losing Aidan Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport for the season. Armando Salguero of Outkick.com mentioned Key as an “outside possibility” for Detroit, especially after his performance against them, totaling two sacks and six tackles.
The Lions have also shown interest in the Browns’ Za’Darius Smith. Both Russini and ESPN’s Adam Schefter confirm Detroit’s inquiry about Smith, while Salguero lists the Panthers’ Jadeveon Clowney and the Saints’ Chase Young as other potential targets.
