Opinions on Titans Free Agents: Pros and Cons of Bringing Back Defensive End Denico Autry
NASHVILLE — Denico Autry, the leading quarterback sack and pressure generator for the Tennessee Titans in 2023, is among the team’s 24 pending free agents. Should general manager Ran Carthon opt to re-sign him or allow him to depart? Let’s examine Autry’s career highlights first: 59 career sacks, with a peak of 12 last season, along with seven forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. Here are the perspectives.
AGAINST RE-SIGNING HIM:
Autry, at 34, faces age concerns, with arguably superior free agents available at reasonable prices. Pro Football Focus (PFF) ranks him as the 12th-best edge rusher on the market and 64th overall. PFF suggests a potential 1-year contract for $7.25 million. However, Miami Dolphins’ Andrew Van Ginkel offers a compelling alternative with a player grade of 91.1, the seventh-best among edge defenders, and at $6.5 million per season for two years, he’s also five years younger. For slightly more, the Titans could acquire Jadeveon Clowney, with 11 sacks and 78 total pressures in 2023, on a 1-year deal at $9 million. Opting for better players for a slight increase in cost seems like the obvious choice.
IN FAVOR OF RE-SIGNING HIM:
While concerns about Autry’s age (33) are valid, his last season was one of his career’s best. He achieved personal highs in sacks (12), quarterback hits (17), tackles (50), and solo tackles (30), nearly matching his peak in tackles for loss (12). Autry is widely recognized as one of the game’s most effective defensive ends in the 5 technique, excelling in splitting double teams and leveraging blockers’ momentum to his advantage. With eight or more sacks in all three seasons with the Titans, Autry has consistently delivered. Given his demonstrated impact and the perennial need for pass rushers, retaining Autry makes sense if the team management believes he still has the capability to contribute effectively.
Ultimately, the Titans face a decision regarding Autry’s future, which will influence their roster composition as they approach the free agency period in March.
