The Houston Texans will lose a key defender in the interior, as veteran free agent signing Denico Autry is suspended for the first six games due to PEDs. This is unfortunate timing with training camp underway and them signing the 34-year-old to a two-year deal this offseason.
The former Tennessee Titan is the key to their interior pass rush, getting to the quarterback double-digit times in 2023 in a career year. With the start of his season being out on the reserve/suspension list, Autry is transitioning from a 3-4 to a 4-3 defense from a defensive end to a defensive tackle.
It will be pivotal for him to maintain the same amount of pressure playing at a different spot on the line. Houston should still rely on their young star, former first-rounder Will Anderson Jr, and big-time free agent acquisition Danielle Hunter, coming from the Minnesota Vikings.
Houston Texans DE/DT Denico Autry Banned for PEDs
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According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the league suspended Denico Autry for the first six games due to his violation of the NFL’s policy on PEDs. Autry, who signed with the Houston Texans this offseason, said his side of the suspension in a statement.
In his full statement on X, the 34-year-old claims that his doctors “submitted a prescription for a different medication with the banned substance” and mentioned this was “not intentional” but will accept the league’s punishment for the violation.
According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, the Texans defensive lineman states he has not engaged in the use of performance enhancing drugs over his 10-year NFL career. Autry finished by issuing an apology to the organization in Houston after consulting with various doctors and the NFL.
34-Year-Old Breakout Free Agent Signing Out First 6 Weeks
During free agency, the Houston Texans signed Autry to a two-year, $20 million deal with $10.5 million in total guarantees. The hybrid interior defensive tackle was penciled in as a potential starter in the middle of their young defense with Anderson Jr. and Hunter off the edge.
Now the Texan’s defensive tackles include Folorunso Fatukasi from the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tim Settle Jr. from the Buffalo Bills. Both come over from free agency and are more run-stoppers than pass rushers, unlike Autry. Houston might now be in the market for an interior pass rusher.
Their other depth defensive linemen include veteran hybrid journeyman Mario Edwards Jr., former first-rounder Derek Barnett, veteran Jerry Hughes, and second-year player Dylan Horton. Edwards came from the Seattle Seahawks and could potentially start, as he is versatile like Autry.
The veteran was with Division Rival Tennessee Titans in 2023
With the Tennessee Titans in a 3-4 as a defensive end, Autry had a career year but will now be with the Houston Texans as a defensive tackle in 2024. Playing next to All-Pro and Pro Bowler Jeffrey Simmons, the veteran was able to pressure the quarterback from the interior with 11.5 sacks.
The journeyman has also played for the Indianapolis Colts for three years and the Oakland, now Las Vegas, Raiders for four seasons to start his career as an undrafted free agent. Autry also had 12 tackles for loss in 2023 and was impactful in the run game with two forced fumbles in back-to-back seasons.
The Texans’ interior could now be a weakness with his absence, as Houston’s defense struggled to stop the run last year. Entering his 11th season, which is now cut by a third, Autry will look to make an impact for an AFC playoff contender.
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