The Detroit Lions have already been connected to several defenders that could improve their pass rush this offseason. Add veteran defensive lineman Denico Autry to the list.
AtoZ Sports’ Mike Payton linked the Lions to Autry because of his relationship with new Lions defensive assistant Terrell Williams. Autry played for Williams with the Tennessee Titans each of the past three seasons.
“The 33-year-old just had the best year of his NFL career when he notched 11.5 sacks with the Titans this season,” Payton wrote. “He was arguably the best defensive player on the Titans this past season, and there’s a lot of reason to believe that he would come along with Williams.”
With Williams as his position coach, Autry posted 28.5 sacks, 30 tackles for loss and 54 quarterback hits in 46 games with the Titans. Despite turning 33 last summer, his three-year stint in Tennessee was the best three-year statistical span of his career.
In 2023, Autry had a career-high 50 combined tackles, including 12 tackles for loss and 17 quarterback hits. He also had 4 pass defenses and 2 forced fumbles to go with his 11.5 sacks.
The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported on February 1 that the Lions added Williams as their run game coordinator and defensive line coach. Williams had been the Titans defensive line coach since 2018.
