Being that the Houston Texans will need to save their salary cap sooner rather than later, they could trade defensive lineman Denico Autry before the 2025 campaign. Earlier this offseason, the Texans shocked the league, trading one of their best offensive linemen, Laremy Tunsil, to the Washington Commanders. They might put themselves in the same situation, but at the right value of what they want in return for Autry. Bleacher Report thinks it would be best for Houston to consider trading away Autry, as he’s not only getting up there in age, but the Texans need to think about managing the cap space since extending players like quarterback CJ Stroud and Will Anderson Jr. could become difficult.
Autry hasn’t been the same athlete in recent memory, recording just 13 tackles and three sacks in 10 games last season. Originally selected as an undrafted rookie in 2014, the veteran’s career is winding down, and it’s safe to say the Texans will probably move on either way once his contract expires. Since the Texans have one of the most impressive tandems in the league between Anderson and Danielle Hunter, the team might be in great shape either way. However, they must make the possible trade decision sooner rather than later to avoid any massive injury since Autry did open camp with a knee injury.
Breaking: Texans Urged To Trade Top Veteran Denico Autry – 4 Possible Destinations
Potential Landing Spots
Baltimore Ravens
Entering the 2025 campaign, the Baltimore Ravens need a significant upgrade in their trenches unit. Between Travis Jones, Nnamdi Madubuike and Broderick Washington, Madubuike is arguably the only explosive lineman that can put the Ravens on top. Autry not only has the experience, but at age 35, he has shown no signs of slowing down anytime soon. If he can stay healthy, he could be a versatile lineman to get after the quarterback in situational moments.
Los Angeles Chargers
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh wants to win football games with an old-school physical defense, but he hasn’t made the most impressive moves to bring that to fruition this offseason. He can’t expect Teair Tart to be the same since they weren’t able to retain Poona Ford, and they signed journeyman Da’Shawn Hand. Otito Ogbonnia is solid, but for a team that has playoff aspirations, do they think he can take them there? Autry has more experience and is old-school, which is something that could intrigue the Chargers.
New Orleans Saints
However, the New Orleans Saints will need to be heavily reliant on the defense this upcoming 2025 regular season due to Derek Carr’s injury. The team will start from scratch between Tyler Shough and Spencer Rattler, even though General Manager Mickey Loomis refuses to rebuild. Jonathan Bullard and Davon Godchaux are the latest offseason additions, but the Saints’ trading for Autry should put them in the mindset of “defense wins championships.”
Carolina Panthers
After years of rebuilding a capable offense for quarterback Bryce Young, the Panthers should be in solid business with the offensive weapons he has. However, they’ve been focusing on rebuilding their defense as well, signing Bobby Brown and Tershawn Wharton. They haven’t made a lot of edge rushing or outside linebacker additions to the defense, but someone like Autry could be a temporary solution to help Derrick Brown on the opposite end of him.
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