49ers free agency: Predicting which free agents Niners re-sign
By Peter Panacy
49ers 2022 NFL free agency predictions: EDGE Arden Key
Niners defensive line coach Kris Kocurek now has a nice little history of turning underachieving linemen into quality players. A year ago, it was defensive end Kerry Hyder putting forth a career-best year.
In 2021, EDGE Arden Key received a similar treatment.
After flaming out with the Las Vegas Raiders and subsequently joining San Francisco on a one-year prove-it deal, Key turned in a career-best 6.5-sack campaign under Kocurek’s tutelage, likely earning Key a substantial raise as a solid reserve pass-rusher heading into 2022.
Key’s 6.5 sacks actually ranked second most on the 49ers behind only EDGE Nick Bosa’s 15.5, and good defenses almost always have at least one or two rotational pass-rushers who can reach these kinds of totals.
And with fellow EDGE Dee Ford dealing with serious back injuries, re-signing Key might be one of the Niners’ biggest unsung offseason priorities.
A new deal won’t be of the bargain-basement variety, but perhaps Key recognizes the value of staying put and agrees to a team-friendly deal.
Prediction: Re-signed for two years, $6 million