Denico Autry takes underrated talents to Titans, leaves Colts

The Tennessee Titans will bolster their defense of line up with the addition of Denico Autry.

Sometimes it’s the underrated moves that go a long way in free agency. Denico Autry hopes to be one of those additions this offseason.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Tennessee Titans have agreed to terms with the former Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle on a three-year deal. Autry is expected to earn $21.5 with $9 million guaranteed and $14.25 million over the next two seasons.

Autry was considered by many as an underrated signing entering the 2021 free agency. His skills as both a run stopper and ball-rusher up the middle made him seem like an ideal option no matter the formation he’d line up for.

In Mike Vrabel’s 3-4 front, expect Autry to play more as a five-tech defensive end rather than up the middle as a nose tackle.

Autry a quality quiet signing for the Titans

A jack of all trades, there’s very little Autry doesn’t offer. He can play the run quite well up the middle, as evident from a top 10 finish with the Colts’ front seven. He also has recorded at least five sacks in three of the last four seasons.

Earlier this month, FanSided’s Matt Lombardo was told by scouts that this move could one of the more under the radar ones that could make a defense thrive in 2021.

“He lines up and fits in any defensive scheme,” An AFC Scouting Director told FanSided earlier this month. “You can rush him inside or off the edge. He’s been productive and even though he is 31, you watch him on film and he’s just starting to hit his stride.”

Autry signed on with the Colts on a three-year deal worth  $17.8 million back in 2018. Since then, he’s recorded 102 total tackles, 57 pressures, 32 quarterback hits, 20 sacks, five passes defended, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.

The Colts feared they might lose him in free agency. Now, they’ll have to face him twice a season until 2023.