Denico Autry, an edge defender, had a fantastic season in 2023 for the Tennessee Titans, but he turns 34 this offseason, and younger, maybe better free agents may be available for a similar contract.
Nashville, Tennessee One of the 24 pending free agents is defensive end Denico Autry, who leads the Tennessee Titans in pressures and quarterback sacks for 2023. Is it better for general manager Ran Carthon to let him go or resign him?
Let’s start by examining a few of Autry’s career high points.
59 career sacks, with 12 of those coming from a career-high previous season; three fumble recoveries and seven forced fumbles
These are the points of contention.
No. Give him a break.
This offseason, Autry turns 34, and there are undoubtedly better free agents out there for a fair price.
Autry is ranked 64th overall and as the 12th-best edge rusher available on the free agent market by Pro Football Focus (PFF). PFF predicts Autry may agree to a $7.25 million, one-year contract.
However, Andrew Van Ginkel of the Miami Dolphins ranks eighth among all edge defenders with a player grade of 91.1. Van Ginkel could be had for two years at $6.5 million a season, according to PFF. Van Ginkel is also five years younger than him.
The Titans may be able to acquire pass rusher-for-hire Jadeveon Clowney—who recorded 11 quarterback sacks and 78 total pressures in 2023—for a few million dollars more than Autry. According to PFF, Clowney could fetch $9 million for a one-year contract.
Better players for a few extra bucks is a no-brainer. Release Autry.
Indeed. Hold him.
Although Autry’s age of 33 is a legitimate worry, his most recent season was one of his best.
Autry finished one tackle shy of his career high in tackles for loss (12), but he did record career highs in sacks (12), quarterback hits (17), tackles (50), and solo tackles (30).
In the 5 technique, where he aligns himself on the outside shoulder of the offensive tackle, Autry is considered one of the best defensive ends in the game. By lowering his shoulder and forcefully pushing past blocks, he may split double teams. In addition, he is a cunning player who uses the momentum of a blocker to advance and get closer to the quarterback. Autry is still a very strong player in the field.
Over the course of his three seasons with the Titans, Autry has amassed eight or more sacks.
In the end, a squad can never have too many pass-rushers, and Autry has proven he is capable of making an impact. Carthon and head coach Brian Callahan ought to re-sign Autry if they believe he still has it in him.
In March, NFL teams are able to start signing free agents.
