4 upcoming free agents 49ers should re-sign at all costs
By Peter Panacy
49ers free-agent priority No. 3: EDGE Arden Key
The 49ers have long prioritized keeping their defensive line a notable strength ever since John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan took over duties in 2017, and one could make the argument they’ve gotten the most out of other teams’ castaways in recent years, too.
In 2020, one such player was defensive end Kerry Hyder, who led the team with 8.5 sacks that year.
Last season, it was EDGE Arden Key who turned heads as the Niners’ No. 2 sack specialist behind Nick Bosa, picking up 6.5 during the regular season and surging a lot after moving to the inside of the D-line during the second half of 2021.
Key, who had only three sacks over his first three years in the league combined, was a roster cut away from either languishing on another team’s practice squad or being out of the NFL altogether.
Simply put, the effort defensive line coach Kris Kocurek got out of Key this season was commendable.
Key has to recognize this, too. And while he might go seek a hefty offseason payday after setting a career-best in sacks, it would be almost as vital for San Francisco to retain and reward him to keep its pass-rushing rotation intact for 2022.