Texans Underperforming Defender Leaving Would Be Addition By Subtraction This Offseason

The Houston Texans — like all NFL teams — have a long list of needs they must address this offseason. General manager Nick Caserio likely already has an idea of which free agents and prospects he wants to target in the coming months, however, having enough money to afford that help is another story.

According to Spotrac, the Texans are projected to only have $1.8 million in cap space to spend this offseason. That sum is even smaller than it seems considering that Houston has 21 unrestricted free agents to address before free agency opens next month.

Although the Texans' financial outlook is far from glamorous, the franchise has the perfect opportunity this offseason to free up some additional funds.

Texans Should Cut DE Denico Autry

While seeing a team sign new faces is an effective way to inch closer to championship contention, addition by subtraction is another useful tool GMs can use. That's why the Texans must consider cutting veteran pass rusher Denico Autry this offseason.

A 10-year NFL veteran, Aurty joined the Texans on a two-year contract worth $20 million last March. Houston had finished the 2023 campaign with the 11th-best pass rush in the league, according to Pro Football Focus, and the hope was that the veteran edge could help put the unit over the top.

Unfortunately, the Albemarle, NC native's first season in H-town didn't go nearly as planned.

Autry began the season in hot water, missing the Texans' first six games after violating the NFL's performance-enhancing drug policy. He went on to suit up 10 appearances, resulting in just eight solo tackles, three sacks, and a trio of defended passes before being largely invisible in Houston's two-game playoff run.

If that wasn't bad enough, PFF gave Autry a grade of 60.6 for overall defense — the second-lowest mark of his 11-year career.

It's more than understandable if the Texans don't want to pay Autry $9 million in cash next season after his abysmal performances. His outlook is even grimmer considering that he'll be turning 35 years old in July, meaning his regression will likely continue.

The good news is that the Texans have options regarding a potential divorce. Cutting Autry before June 1 will free up $6 million for Caserio to play with, per Spotrac, while waiting until after that date will net $9 million in savings. Either way, that money can be used to address more pressing roster needs.

At the end of the day, the Texans need young and consistent contributors on defense, and Autry possesses neither of those qualities. Don't be shocked if his Houston tenure ends just as quickly as it began.

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