The Houston Texans have a good team going into the summer. Training camp will allow players to separate from the rest of the pack and head into the season ready to make an impact.
While that's on the minds of everyone, there's one veteran defender who is set to rob the Texans. Defensive end Denico Autry is heading into the final year of his two-year, $20 million deal. This season, he's on the books for $6.5 million, but that's expensive for a defender who struggled last season.
Denico Autry Is Going to Rob the Texans Blind in 2025
In 2024, he had 13 total tackles, six QB hits, three TFLs, and three sacks in 10 games. To begin the season, he was suspended for six games for violating the league's policy against performance-enhancing drugs.
He also saw his role decrease due to playing behind Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter. Autry played in 47% of the defensive snaps for the 2024 season. According to PFF, he had a 56 overall grade (140th among 211 graded edge defenders), 61 pass rush grade (95th among 211 graded edge defenders), and a 53.8 run defense grade (159th among 211 graded edge defenders).
The Mississippi State product recorded 17 total pressures and 11 hurries last season as well, but that production isn't worth the price tag.
He will be 35 years old when the 2025 season starts, but he was brought in to be a veteran defender who can be relied on. Unfortunately, he wasn't able to do so in his lone season with the Texans. Getting $6.5 million seems like an overpay for a player who is way past his prime.
That money could be used elsewhere to better the roster; instead, it will be handed to a disappointing defender. Hopefully, he can rebound next season, but from the way things are now, it doesn't look good.