Was Denico Autry Texans' Best Free Agency Signing of Day 1?

The Houston Texans were able to sustain the production of their defensive line following the free agency signing of Denico Autry.

HOUSTON — Day 1 of free agency concluded with the Houston Texans losing Jonathan Greenard, who finished the 2023 season as arguably the team's best pass rusher. 

He recorded a team-best 12.5 sacks, which tied for 10th-best in the league while adding 52 tackles across 15 games. Greenard also played a prominent role in the Texans' revamped run defense. According to Pro Football Focus, Greenard notched a run-defensive grade of 67.2.

Texans wide receiver Noah Brown (85) is tackled by Tennessee Titans defensive end Denico Autry (96) during the first half at Nissan Stadium / Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

The loss of Greenard to the Minnesota Vikings may have been disappointing. But Houston did find a solid replacement by signing defensive end Denico Autry. Houston and Autry agreed to a two-year deal worth up to $10.5 million.

Signing with the Texans marks Autry's third AFC South team. Before spending the previous three seasons with the Tennessee Titans, Autry played for the Indianapolis Colts from 2018 to 2020.

Autry began his career as an undrafted free agent in 2014 after signing with the then-Oakland Raiders. And despite his late development, the Texans landed Autry amid his most successful career stretch.

He has recorded 108 tackles and 28.5 sacks over the previous three seasons. The 2023 season marked Autry's best year, posting a career-best 50 tackles, 11.5 sacks, four pass deflections, and two force fumbles.

He appeared in all 17 games with 14 starts for the Titans while appearing in 67 percent of Houston's defensive snaps.

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Coach DeMeco Ryans has been open about his desire to improve Houston's defensive line. Although letting Greenard walk was disheartening, the arrival of Autry will keep Houston's defensive line among the league's most respectful units.

"How can we get the right guys to complement each other and play well off one another because that's how I see D-Lines play," Ryans said. "It's not about just one guy. It's a complement of eight guys who can come in and continue to put pressure on the opposing team."

Other noteworthy signings the Texans made during Day 1 of free agency were highlighted by linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair and former first-round pick cornerback Jeff Okudah.