After Career Year Denico Autry Signs with the Texans

Today it was just announced that Denico Autry has signed with the Texans on a two-year 10 million dollar deal This past season Denico Autry had a career year at the age of 33. Autry who was on the Indianapolis Colts and Las Vegas Raiders before the past three seasons with the Titans has turned into one of the premier defensive linemen in the NFL. This season Autry has Become a true defensive menace racking up 11.5 sacks to go along with 50 combined tackles. Autry for the Titans has played both defensive tackle and defensive end in Shane Bowens (Titans Defensive Coordinator) 4-3 defensive scheme. In a career year, Autry had his best performances against the Carolina Panthers with two sacks as well as against the Texans where he also recorded two sacks. 

Autry, who is now going into his 10th season in the NFL, has been one of the most successful rookie free agents of recent memory. Autry, who first started at community college, transferred to play football at Mississippi State after one season. Then in the third year of his college career, he recorded 16 total sacks but due to what people thought was a lack of talent Autry failed to be invited to the combine and was overlooked as a prospect overall. Autry's NFL career has been defined by his tenacity on the field as well as his ability to adapt to different defensive schemes and positions.

Autry measures in at 6-5 285 pounds ensuring he will be a dominant piece on the Texans defensive line for years to come. While Autry's age at this point may be a concern, he has shown that he has lots left in the tank after a career year. Beyond his on-field skills he is recognized as a great leader and mentor, Titans defensive tackle Jeffrey Simmons credits Autry for his early growth and thinks of him as a true mentor as Simmons also went to Mississippi State. Overall, Houston got a great player in Denico Autry with this new deal.