New Lions defensive line coach could bring veteran pass rusher with him

The news around the Detroit Lions has not stopped moving since the NFC Championship game. They managed to keep all of their coaching staff, the Lions were hanging out at the Senior Bowl and then they had multiple guys be the highlights of the Pro Bowl. They even snuck in a hire for their new defensive line coach Terrell Williams. 

That hire is what we're talking about today becasue that move could also bring in some veteran pass rush help in 2024. The player that I'm talking about is edge rusher Denico Autry. The 33-year-old just had the best year of his NFL career when he notched 11.5 sacks with the Titans this season. 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. 

Much like Ben Johnson says he's an extension of Jared Goff and Goff is an extension of him, Autry and Williams have a similar relationship. Autry was with Williams when they both part of the Raiders and then Autry signed with the Titans in 2021 and began to have the best years of his career under Williams. Autry had 28.5 sacks, 72 tackles and 30 tackles for loss under Williams. That is very good. 

Now, Williams is a free agent and while he has said that he's open to returning to Tennessee, that was in December before the Titans fired Mike Vrabel and Williams took a job with the Lions. His stance could have changed. 

What could this cost the Lions if he decides to join the party in Detroit? Our cap experts are projecting that Autry could be in line for a one year deal worth $9 million. That is not bad at all. 

I'd also point out that a move like this would be part of many moves the Lions would make to strengthen their defensive line in 2024. I don't see this as their one big move or anything like that. Autry would be a phenomenal rotational piece for the Lions, but at 34-years-old next season, he's not their big answer to the pass rush problem. 

We'll see if this becomes reality in March.