NASHVILLE – The Titans have bolstered their defense with the addition of former Colts defensive lineman Denico Autry, and he said on Thursday he's ready to produce.
The Titans and Autry have officially agreed to terms on a multi-year deal that will bring the disruptive pass rusher to Nashville.
"I just like what (the Titans) have going on here, and I wanted to be a part of that," Autry said on a video conference call on Thursday. "Actually, to tell you the truth, someone (saw) my worth, and that's really why I chose the Titans."
A 6-5, 285-pounder, Autry was a force all over the defensive line for the Colts, where he's registered 20 sacks in 40 games over the past three seasons. Autry posted nine sacks in 2018, 3.5 sacks in 2019 and 7.5 sacks in 2020.
The Colts let him walk, and Autry said he won't forget it.
"That makes it real personal," Autry said. "They knew what they had. It is what it is."
Autry has played in 96 games, with 56 starts, since entering the league as an undrafted free agent with the Raiders in 2014. In seven seasons, he's recorded 182 tackles and 30.5 sacks.
In 2020, while lining up primarily at defensive end, Autry tallied 33 tackles (20 solo), 9 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, and 35 total QB pressures during 14 games, with 13 starts.
Autry's 20 sacks during the last three seasons ranks in the top 15 in the NFL for defensive linemen. Autry has also appeared in four career playoff games with three starts and collected 12 tackles, 2.5 sacks, five quarterback hits and a forced fumble in the postseason.
While playing alongside Titans defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons and others, Autry should make a different on the field this fall in a number of areas. Getting him on board, and taking him from an AFC South rival, makes the addition even more important.
Like Simmons, Autry played at Mississippi State.
"Jeffrey, he is a real bulldog," Autry said of Simmons. "He plays hard-nosed, tough. … And being able to be around another good d-lineman is always great."
Autry played in 26 games (23 starts) in two seasons (2012-13) at Mississippi State after earning NJCAA All-America honors and winning a national championship during two seasons at East Mississippi Community College.
As a senior for the Bulldogs in 2013, Autry started in all 13 games and collected 31 tackles (14 solo), 6.5 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, three passes defensed and one forced fumble.
