Preseason often exposes roster realities such as underperforming high draft picks, sophomore regression, coordinator departures, and big-ticket cut candidates. Cutdowns can make key players available. Veteran defensive end Denico Autry, age 35, remains a potential addition despite recent regression; 2024 marked the first decline in his eleven-year career. Autry played for the Raiders, Colts, and Titans before signing a two-year deal with the Texans. He owns 62 career sacks but recorded only three last season after an 11.5-sack year in 2023. Autry has thrived in Mike Vrabel's schemes and could fill a Patriots defensive-end need.
Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport listed a cut candidate for every team, and the Texans have a player the Patriots may have some real interest in: defensive end Denico Autry. Autry turned 35 in July, but his age shouldn't be a significant issue. As he's gotten older, he's become a more productive player, with 2024 being the first indication of regression he's shown in his eleven-year career. He spent time with the Raiders, Colts, and Titans before signing a two-year deal with the Texans last offseason.
Despite recording 62 career sacks, he managed just three last season, a sharp decline from his 11.5 sacks in 2023, when Mike Vrabel and Terrell Williams were his head coach and defensive line coach in Tennessee. Autry has had 8+ sacks in a season just four times in his career, and three of those four times came during his three seasons with the Titans.
Vrabel didn't mind using heavy-handed edge rushers in Tennessee. In his final season, Autry and recently signed Patriot Kyle Peko were the edge setters. With Anfernee Jennings rumored to be on his way out and Harold Landry with an injury history, adding a defensive end would make a lot of sense -- particularly one who's had success with Vrabel's schemes in the past.
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