Houston Texans pass rusher Denico Autry did not live up to expectations last year, and one report indicates the Mississippi State product could be looking for work before long. Signed to a two-year, $20 million contract in the previous offseason, Houston believed Autry’s 11-sack 2023 could help give them one of the most deadly pass rushes in the league. Unfortunately, he finished the season with just three sacks, 13 tackles, and three tackles-for-loss in 10 games while serving a six-game suspension early in the season.
Ultimately, Denico Autry had a season to forget for the Texans last year, and he might not have the chance to redeem himself in 2025. According to Jovan Alford of House of Houston, the veteran is “on the chopping block” and could be out of a job. The Texans could trade him and save over $4 million against the cap, and a few teams would probably be willing to roll the dice on the veteran.
Texans Could Trade Denico Autry After Disappointing Season
Best Destinations
Los Angeles Chargers
After making the playoffs in what should have been a rebuilding year, the Los Angeles Chargers have their eyes set on the Super Bowl. However, they could use more help along the defensive line. Khalil Mack is still a great player, but Tuli Tuipulotu is better off in a supporting role. A Denico Autry trade probably wouldn’t cost anymore more than a late-round pick, and head coach Jim Harbaugh has a knack for getting the most out of his players.
Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions finished the 2024 season with 37 sacks, the second-lowest in the league. While a healthy Aidan Hutchinson will help, the team must add talent to offset the loss of former defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. A Denico Autry trade could give the Lions two above-average pass rushers, as the current Texans edge defender is just one year removed from an 11-sack season with the Tennessee Titans.
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers had the league’s worst front seven last year, and while they fortified the defensive tackle position with free agent Tershawn Wharton and a healthy Derrick Brown, they could use more help on the edge. Rookies Nic Scourton and Princely Umamielen have potential, but this team could use a veteran to guide these young players. Even if Denico Autry can’t recapture his old form, the Texans pass rusher could be an invaluable resource as a mentor to these young players.
Indianapolis Colts
Would the Houston Texans trade Denico Autry to a division rival? It’s admittedly not too likely, but stranger things have happened. Head coach Shane Steichen needs to put together a winning season to save his job, and boosting the pass rush should be his top priority. After finishing with a league-low 36 sacks last year, Autry should add to this defensive line rotation and improve a unit that desperately needs more juice.
