Tennessee Titans defensive lineman Denico Autry is in the midst of another great season in what is a contract year for him.
Autry has tallied nine sacks, which is tied for his career-high with four games left to play. Aside from his production in the sacks department, the veteran lineman has been a playmaker against the run, and even on special teams, where he had a crucial blocked field goal in Week 14.
After playing at a high level the last two-plus seasons, Autry has cemented himself as one of the best free-agent acquisitions of not only the Jon Robinson era, but in franchise history.
Through 42 games, Autry has a whopping 27 sacks and the only reason that number isn’t higher is because Autry missed five games in 2022, another campaign in which he was flirting with a career-high sack count.
Despite all the success he’s had, Autry flies completely under the radar outside of Nashville. Part of the reason that’s the case is because Autry isn’t very vocal publicly. Even when speaking to the media, he’s a man of few words.
But, as Autry puts it, he is more of a lead-by-example kind of guy.
“That’s kind of my thing,” Autry said, per Jim Wyatt. “I’m not a rah-rah guy, I’m not going to do much talking. I just try to lead by example and that’s kind of what I’ve done my whole career.”
As someone who is older than Autry, it pains me to say that he’s getting long in the tooth at 33 years old. However, his play certainly hasn’t shown it. In fact, he might be playing the best ball of his career.
When asked how he maintains a high level of play at his age, Autry said it’s all about taking care of himself. He does admit, however, that it is getting a bit harder to get up in the morning the older he gets.
“Just taking care of my body; just getting IVs and eating right, doing what I’ve got to do to be ready,” Autry said. “It’s getting a little tougher to get up in the morning, but other than that, once I’m here, I’m here. Find a way to get through the day and make it to Sunday.”
#Titans DL Denico Autry, who needs just a 1/2 sack to set a career high. Autry already has 9 sacks in 2023. pic.twitter.com/vMFeoqIT3p
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) December 15, 2023
It would normally be nearly unfathomable for a team pivoting to the future like the Titans to bring back a pass-rusher who will turn 34 next July.
But as has been the case his whole career, the former undrafted free agent is breaking the mold and forcing Tennessee to, at the very least, seriously consider bringing him back in 2024.
