The Houston Texans will likely trade 62-sack pass rusher Denico Autry during the NFL Draft this offseason. According to Pro Football Network, the team could send Autry to a new team for some draft capital, as he’s entering the final year of his current contract. The defensive end had three explosive seasons with the Texans before having one of the worst campaigns last year, serving a six-game suspension for violating the league’s performance-enhancing drugs policy. Autry only put up nearly four sacks and had one of the worst pressure rates, 8.1%, in his entire career since 2019.
Originally selected as an undrafted rookie in the 2014 NFL Draft, the former Mississippi State product began his career with the Las Vegas Raiders, but it was nothing special as the defensive end put up three sacks and pass deflections. Autry became a journeyman for the majority of his tenure in the league between the Indianapolis Colts and the Tennessee Titans. However, recording a high number of 11.5 sacks in 2023 with the Titans made him expendable as the team couldn’t afford a contract that matches his production.
The defensive end was hoping to make an impact with the Texans after signing a two-year contract, but the suspension slowed him down. Despite that, it might be worth giving him another deal as they have Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. under contract for two seasons. There’s no clear path for the Texans to re-sign Autry, so the team could explore a trade, as it’s better to get something out of these four teams before he becomes a free agent next offseason.
Breaking: Texans Could Trade 62-Sack Powerhouse Denico Autry During NFL Draft
Possible Next Teams
Los Angeles Chargers
Last season, the Los Angeles Chargers had one of the best defensive pass rushes in the league. However, losing their best defender in Poona Ford was a loss they couldn’t afford. The Chargers have enough to facilitate a trade and even a long-term extension, so, surprisingly, the team didn’t re-sign Ford. The team is hoping to bring Da’Shawn Hand back to life like they did with Ford and Teair Tart. Perhaps, they could do the same with Autry as long as he can stay out of trouble.
New Orleans Saints
Meanwhile, the Saints found ways to mortgage their future despite having no cap space. Chase Young and Cameron Jordan are returning, but Jordan is getting older, and there’s probably no clear path for his future. Carl Granderson has some upside, but they’re better off rolling the dice on Autry to give Young some stability with experience alongside him.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers have done phenomenally well this offseason, repairing the defense after spending last year getting capable weapons for quarterback Bryce Young. As Jadeveon Clowney could be on the trade block, they need more powerhouse talent to enhance this pass rush. Tershawn Wharton signing with the team gives them a boost, but trading for Autry should bolster this unit to the max of the opposite of Derrick Brown.
Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders never fail to bring out the best in new pass rushers. Dante Fowler Jr., leading the team in sacks, is an example, but they lost him to the Dallas Cowboys. There haven’t been positive signs for the signing of Javon Kinlaw, so the team should find another capable defensive trenches guy like Autry to help Bobby Wagner get after the quarterback.
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