ClutchPoints
The NFL offseason is always unpredictable, and the Houston Texans may find themselves making a surprising roster decision in 2025. Every year, teams face tough choices. They often part ways with productive veterans to free up cap space or clear the way for younger players. Sure, some moves are anticipated. However, others catch fans and analysts off guard. This offseason, one unexpected cut could be veteran defensive lineman Denico Autry. Despite his leadership and consistent play, there are several compelling reasons why the Texans might decide to move on from him.
The 2024 season was an interesting year for the Texans. They built on their impressive 2023 campaign and further solidified their status as an emerging force in the AFC under head coach DeMeco Ryans. With rising star CJ Stroud leading the offense and an aggressive defense making an impact, Houston finished with a strong 10-7 record. This performance earned them another playoff berth and reinforced that the Texans were no longer just a rebuilding team but a legitimate contender in the AFC South. Their balanced offensive attack and disciplined defensive play allowed them to compete with some of the league’s best. However, with the 2025 offseason approaching, Houston faces some difficult roster decisions to sustain their upward trajectory.
Last offseason, the Texans were in a position to make bold moves. With ample cap space and a roster poised for a playoff push, they made high-profile acquisitions. These included signing Danielle Hunter and trading for Stefon Diggs. Unfortunately, despite these additions, they fell short of making a deep playoff run. Now, with more financial constraints, the Texans will need to take a more strategic approach. They needto shop for value and find creative ways to address key roster needs.
Here we’ll try to identify the Houston Texans player who could be the team’s surprise roster cut in the 2025 NFL offseason.
Denico Autry was one of the notable veteran additions to the Texans’ defense in 2024. He was brought in on a short-term deal to provide experience and pass-rushing ability. At 34 years old, he remained a versatile presence along the defensive line. Autry lined up both at defensive end and defensive tackle in different packages. Yes, he wasn’t expected to be a long-term solution. Still, the hope was that he would bring immediate impact as a pass rusher and run defender. After tallying a career-best 11.5 sacks in 2023, hee contributed a modest three sacks in 2024. Of course, Autry also provided leadership to a young defensive front. However, as the Texans shift their focus toward 2025, Autry’s role with the team may no longer be as secure as it once seemed.
When Houston signed Autry, he was fresh off one of his most impressive seasons with their division rival, the Tennessee Titans. The expectation was that he would bring that same disruptive ability to the Texans’...
