Titans star not happy that Denico Autry is joining Texans

Denico Autry. Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Titans star not happy that Denico Autry is joining an AFC South rival

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 3/11/24

If there’s anyone who understands the value defensive end Denico Autry brought to the Tennessee Titans, it’s his former teammate and defensive line partner Jeffery Simmons.

The two were running mates over the last three seasons, but the Titans left Autry to test the free-agent waters, and now they're expected to be seeing him twice a year after the 33-year-old pass-rusher agreed to terms on a two-year, $10M deal with one of Tennessee’s division rivals, the Houston Texans — a move that Simmons made known he wasn’t a fan of.

No way we let Nico go to the Texans…. ‍♂️‍♂️
— Jeffery Simmons (@GrindSimmons94) March 11, 2024

Autry had his three most productive seasons playing next to Simmons on the Titans defensive line, totaling 171 pressures, 113 hurries and 28.5 sacks, including a career-high 11.5 in 2023.

Conversely, Simmons benefitted from their partnership equally, logging 166 pressures, 121 hurries and 21.5 sacks, including a career-high 66 pressures and 8.5 sacks in Autry’s first season in 2021.

Though Autry has been a productive pass-rusher for Tennessee, the $5M price tag was likely what made the rebuilding Titans shy away from bringing back the 6-foot-5 defensive end.

Autry will slot in on Houston’s defensive line opposite 2023 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson as Jonathan Greenard’s replacement. The 26-year-old Greenard, who led the Texans with 12.5 sacks in 2023 and ranked second in pressures (53), agreed to terms with the Minnesota Vikings earlier in the day on a four-year, $72M deal.

Houston will mark the third team in the AFC South that Autry will play for. He had three-year stints with both the Titans (2021 through 2023) and the Indianapolis Colts (2018 through 2020).

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