Texans Sign Defensive End Denico Autry
The Houston Texans' pass rush took a big blow earlier Monday afternoon when defensive end Jonathan Greenard signed a massive deal with the Minnesota Vikings.
Now, however, they have mitigated that damage, signing veteran Tennessee Titans free agent edge rusher Denico Autry to a two-year $20 million deal with $10.5 million guaranteed, according to reports.
Texans fans should be extremely familiar with Autry, who has spent the last six years of his career in the AFC South, the first three of which were with the Indianapolis Colts, where he amassed 20 sacks, 27 tackles for loss and 32 QB hits over that span.
Autry then went to Tennessee, where he was even better, finishing his three seasons in Nashville with 28.5 sacks, 30 tackles for loss, 54 QB hits and 78 quarterback pressures.
Autry started his career with the Oakland Raiders as an undrafted free agent in 2014, where he would spend the next four seasons. In Oakland he played in 56 games, starting 18, and making 10.5 sacks.
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With Autry now on the board, the Texans are still likely in the market for another pass rusher, thanks to the departure of Derek Barnett in free agency. Houston has been connected to Vikings free-agent Danielle Hunter, who seems to be being replaced in Minneapolis by the aforementioned Greenard.
That said, they could also turn to the NFL Draft next month, where Houston has been connected with multiple pass-rushing prospects.
Either way, the Texans aren't done with adding to the pass rush.