Despite restructuring his contract earlier this offseason, the Houston Texans could cut long-time defensive end Denico Autry. According to Bleacher Report, they believe the team could move on from Autry due to salary cap concerns. While the team has above $11 million in money to spend, the report believes they may be looking to free up some space. Even though the Texans have Super Bowl aspirations in the future with quarterback CJ Stroud under center, they don’t really have a choice but to move on from Autry, who came off an injury last year.
For the Texans, it wouldn’t make sense for the team to keep paying someone who can’t stay healthy, especially after being on the sidelines to start training camp with a knee injury. Between Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter, the Texans have a solid tandem that could put the Texans in the best position to win ball games, which leaves Autry fighting for a starting spot anyway. Originally selected as an undrafted rookie in 2014, the former Mississippi State product had just three sacks last year, which aren’t the numbers a defense like the Texans should be looking for. However, the defensive end should be able to receive some type of market on a one-year contract minimum to help a contender push for a Super Bowl, and these are the four teams.
Report: Texans May Cut Long-Time NFL Veteran Denico Autry
Next Possible Teams
Baltimore Ravens
Other than Nnamdi Madubuike, the Baltimore Ravens could do better by upgrading the trenches unit. They got Yannick Ngakoue last year to bring some type of relief, but after releasing him midway through the season, the team needs to focus on the future of the defensive line. Travis Jones, Broderick Washington and John Jenkins have to figure out how to form chemistry since they lost Michael Pierce to retirement. Perhaps, they could take a chance on Autry on a temporary deal, who has the experience like Madubuike, and help the line.
Los Angeles Chargers
Meanwhile, it’s been one of the most disappointing offseasons for the Los Angeles Chargers. While head coach Jim Harbaugh wants an old-school defense, he hasn’t been active in getting some notable names to join Khalil Mack in this defense. Da’Shawn Hand and Teair Tart aren’t single-handedly bringing this line to life, especially when they have to navigate life after Poona Ford. Keyboard warriors, even though the Chargers have one of the deepest linebacker groups between Daiyan Henley, Denzel Perryman, Tuli Tuipulotu, Kyle Kennard and Bud Dupree, it’s not enough talent to ensure they can stay consistent, especially for the postseason.
New Orleans Saints
After trading away Khalen Saunders to the Jacksonville Jaguars, the New Orleans Saints could look to do a complete makeover in the defensive line. They’ve been doing this after trading for Davon Godchaux and signing Jonathan Bullard as a rotational defensive end. The Saints should continue to rebuild and get an upgrade over Bryan Breese, who hasn’t been the most explosive defensive lineman. Autry might be past his prime, but it could be enough for the Saints to have one of the oldest but ferocious lines on defense with him and Cameron Jordan sharing the same field.
Dallas Cowboys
However, the Cowboys could find themselves having one of the worst defensive lines if they truly head towards a “divorce” with Micah Parsons. While they did re-sign Dante Fowler, the thought of relying on Marshawn Kneeland and Tyrus Wheat is unacceptable for a team that wants to win a Super Bowl sooner rather than later. If this is Parsons’s last season in Dallas, they should sign Autry if he becomes available to put the team in the best position ever to win everything.
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