Career Timeline of Arden Key: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 9, 2026

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Arden Key made an impact.

Arden Key Jr. is an American professional football linebacker currently playing for the Tennessee Titans in the NFL. He was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the third round of the 2018 NFL draft after playing college football for the LSU Tigers. Key is a linebacker in the National Football League.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2015: Ranked as a Four-Star Recruit

In 2015, Arden Key was regarded as a four-star recruit by ESPN and ranked as the No. 6 defensive end prospect in the class.

2015: Freshman Year at LSU

In 2015, as a true freshman at LSU, Arden Key played in 12 games, starting the final nine, recording 41 tackles and five sacks, and was named a freshman All-American.

2016: Set School Record at LSU

In 2016, Arden Key set a single-season school record by recording 12 sacks at LSU and earned first-team All-Southeastern Conference honors from the Associated Press.

2017: Limited Games Due to Injury

In 2017, Arden Key was limited to 8 games due to injury but finished with 33 tackles, 4 sacks, and a forced fumble.

January 4, 2018: Declared for NFL Draft

On January 4, 2018, Arden Key officially announced that he would be entering the 2018 NFL draft.

January 2018: Draft Ranking

In January 2018, Arden Key was ranked as the number two draft prospect at the outside linebacker position, behind Tremaine Edmunds of Virginia Tech, by Mel Kiper of ESPN.

2018: Played all 16 Games

In 2018, Arden Key played all 16 games during the season with the Oakland Raiders.

2018: Selected in the NFL Draft

In 2018, Arden Key was selected by the Oakland Raiders in the third round of the NFL draft.

November 7, 2019: Placed on Injured Reserve

On November 7, 2019, Arden Key was placed on injured reserve after suffering a broken foot, ruling him out for the rest of the 2019 season.

November 18, 2020: Placed on Reserve/COVID-19 List

On November 18, 2020, Arden Key was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list by the Raiders.

December 26, 2020: Personal Foul Penalty

On December 26, 2020, during a Week 16 game against the Miami Dolphins, Arden Key committed a 15-yard personal foul penalty for grabbing the facemask of QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, contributing to the Raiders' elimination from playoff contention.

April 15, 2021: Waived by Raiders

On April 15, 2021, Arden Key was waived by the Oakland Raiders.

April 23, 2021: Signed with 49ers

On April 23, 2021, Arden Key signed a one-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers.

March 30, 2022: Signed with Jaguars

On March 30, 2022, Arden Key signed a one-year contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

March 20, 2023: Signed with Titans

On March 20, 2023, Arden Key signed a three-year, $21 million contract with the Tennessee Titans.

July 30, 2024: Suspended for violating NFL policy

On July 30, 2024, Arden Key was initially suspended 6 games for violating the NFL's policy against performance-enhancing drugs, but the suspension was later overturned on appeal.