Preseason often reveals to teams some unfortunate realities: a high draft pick is unable to live up to the hype, a key sophomore shows regression compared to his rookie season, or the loss of a coordinator becomes apparent. One thing we see from almost every team is a big-ticket cut candidate being shown the exit. This can lead to key players becoming available on cutdown day.
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.
Denico Autry's ties to Mike Vrabel make him an easy target for the Patriots
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.
As previously mentioned, he's only a year removed from an 11.5 sack 2023 season, so there's little doubt he still has something to offer before his time in the NFL ends.
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.
Now, there are some things to keep in mind with the defensive lineman. Contractually, he agreed to a reworked contract with the Texans that would save the team $4.5 million should he be released. Additionally, he remains on PUP for the time being with a knee injury sustained last season. For a 35-year-old, that often means a waning career.
The Texans could release him if they come to an injury settlement: he is listed as the third LDE on ESPN behind Will Anderson Jr. and former second-round pick Darrell Taylor.
There are certainly moving pieces to consider should he be brought to New England, but it would be worthwhile if the staff believes they can reignite the fire he brought to the Titans during his three seasons with Vrabel and Williams. Keep an eye out for Autry's name on cutdown day.