3 players who could follow Mike Vrabel out of Tennessee this offseason
Could the head coach bring a few guys with him wherever he goes?
By Ryan Heckman
The Tennessee Titans are moving forward in a few ways this offseason, but the most notable move they have made thus far is in parting with former head coach Mike Vrabel.
There is no doubt Vrabel will land on his feet elsewhere, whether it be as a head coach once more or as a defensive coordinator.
One thing Titans fans might expect to see once Vrabel is hired elsewhere is the idea that he could bring some current/former Titans players with him.
Which Titans might end up following Vrabel to his next gig?
1. Denico Autry, DE
Is it any coincidence that Denico Autry has gotten better with age, and his best three seasons as a pro have come in the last three years under Vrabel? In 2023, Autry quietly had his best season yet, and at age 33, piling up 11.5 sacks on the year. He added a career-best 50 total tackles, along with 12 tackles for loss, 17 quarterback hits and a pair of forced fumbles.
Autry will be a free agent at the beginning of the new league year, and after having so much success with Vrabel, it would only make sense for the former head coach to try and lure him in wherever he lands.
As for the Titans? They are clearly heading in a new direction and, with Autry turning 34 this summer, there's no way they will bring him back. This team needs to get younger across the board. Replacing someone with the production that Autry brought last year won't be easy, but that's part of the process of a rebuilding team.