49ers roster: 4 winners from second wave of preseason cuts
By Peter Panacy
No. 3: 49ers EDGE Arden Key
San Francisco fans probably weren’t scratching their heads too much about Shilique Calhoun being released. But earlier this offseason, it was looking as if the 49ers were going to be awfully short on their outside pass-rushing depth.
Healthy returns of both edge rushers Nick Bosa and Dee Ford change everything, though, subsequently pushing depth rushers like Calhoun, Samson Ebukam and Arden Key further down the roster heading into the preseason.
Key, whose stint with the Las Vegas Raiders generated only three sacks over three seasons, certainly was on the bubble after signing with the Niners this season. And for arguably a final spot as a reserve outside pass-rusher, it was likely going to come down between him and Calhoun.
With Calhoun no longer in the fray, Key now has that inside track towards becoming a primary backup for Bosa and Ford, even if he’s still looking up at Ebukam on the depth chart.
Key’s strong outing against the Los Angeles Chargers in preseason Week 2, in which he registered a pass deflection and tackle for a loss, certainly influenced this decision.