Denico Autry Getting Better With Age For Titans

Entering his third season with the Tennessee Titans, and ninth in the league, Denico Autry continues to improve.

George Walker IV-USA TODAY Sports

NASHVILLE - Denico Autry joined the Tennessee Titans as a free agent following the 2020 season, leaving a hole in the defense of the division-rival Indianapolis Colts and adding a valuable presence to the Titans defense. 

Since his arrival, Autry has gotten better with age, and his performance proves it. 

In 2018, the former undrafted free agent with the Oakland Raiders, Autry, posted career highs in both tackles (39) and sacks with nine for the Colts. However, those numbers slipped in 2019, as he collected just 3.5 sacks, but rebounded in 2020, where he posted 7.5 quarterback takedowns. 

In his first season with the Titans, Autry again reached his career high in sacks with nine. In 2022, Autry was on a career pace before an injury hampered him most of the season. He finished the year with eight sacks. 

Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Teair Tart (93) talks with Denico Autry (96) during an NFL football minicamp Wednesday, June 7, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn :: Mark Zaleski / The Tennessean-USA TODAY NETWORK

The veteran defender has often gone underappreciated among the national media but has not been lost on those on the ground that watch him work daily. 

Autry was absent from the recent organized team activities conducted by the Titans but showed up and made his presence known at the minicamp. 

Entering the final season of his three-year $21.5 million deal, Autry has earned the respect and admiration of his teammates and coaches. 

'He's a very underrated guy outside this team, but he's one of the biggest keys to our front with what he can do and how much versatility he brings to the field," said assistant head coach defense/defensive line coach Terrel Williams. "We know what he can do and what he brings to us as a defense."

While Autry will turn 33 before the beginning of training camp (July 15), he looked to be in great shape and ready for another season during the minicamp. Depending on his performance this season, Autry could force the Titans to make a tough decision on his future in Nashville.    

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