Report: Tennessee Titans Lose Pass Rusher Denico Autry to AFC South rival Houston Texans

Denico Autry had a career-high 11.5 sacks last season for the Tennessee Titans. Pro Football Focus (PFF) ranks Autry as the 12th-best edge rusher on the free-agent market and the 64th-best available player overall.

NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Titans are losing an impact player on defense. According to multiple reports, defensive end Denico Autry is leaving Nashville to stay in the AFC South after agreeing to a deal with the Houston Texans.

Autry had a career-high 11.5 sacks last season for the Titans. He also posted career highs in quarterback hits (17), tackles (50), and solo tackles (30), and was one off his career high in tackles for loss (12).

Pro Football Focus (PFF) ranks Autry as the 12th-best edge rusher on the free-agent market and the 64th-best available player overall. Autry is signing for two years and $20 million, with $10.5 million guaranteed, according to NFL Network. 

In comings and goings earlier Monday:

• the Titans will sign free agent center Lloyd Cushenberry and running back Tony Pollard;
• Titans cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting will leave for the Arizona Cardinals. 

The Titans will need to replace Autry. There are several options in free agency and the 2024 NFL Draft.

NFL Free Agents - Edge defenders

Chase Young
Age: 29
Projected contract: one year, $15 million

Danielle Hunter
Age: 29
Projected contract: three years, $22.5 million average annual salary

Jadaveon Clowney
Age: 31
Projected contract: one year, $9 million

Za’Darius Smith
Age: 31
Projected contract: two years, $12 million average annual salary

Josh Uche
Age: 25
Projected contract: one year, $7.25 million

NFL Draft - Edge defenders

(Pro Football Focus rankings)

16. Dallas Hunter, Alabama
18. Jared Verse, FSU
20. Laiatu Latu, UCLA
38. Chris Braswell, Alabama
41. Adisa Isaac, Penn State
44. Chop Robinson, Penn State

Related Titans stories

• DERRICK HENRY LEGACY: If this week is goodbye for Tennessee Titans great Derrick Henry, he leaves a legacy of Pro Bowls, playoff football, and the NFL's most devastating stiff arm. CLICK HERE
• NEW RB TONY POLLARD: Tony Pollard, a Memphis native who is 26 years old, is coming off consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. Signing Pollard likely means certain goodbye for Tennessee Titans great Derrick Henry. CLICK HERE
• NEW CENTER LLOYD CUSHENBERRY: The Tennessee Titans reportedly will sign Denver Broncos free agent Lloyd Cushenberry, who is expected to pass protection up the middle for quarterback Will Levis. Cushenberry, who is 6-foot-4 and 315 pounds, allowed only one sack in 2023. CLICK HERE
• MURPHY-BUNTING EXITS: Sean Murphy-Bunting was a starting corner for a Tennessee Titans unit that ranked 26th in pass coverage last season. His Pro Football Focus (PFF) coverage grade was 57.6, which placed him 90th out of 127 NFL cornerbacks. CLICK HERE