Sheldon Rankins was an ideal fit for the Houston Texans’ defense in 2023 as an anchor up the middle.
Could a reunion be in the works in 2025?
Rankins was released by the Cincinnati Bengals on Friday after one season. The former first-round pick inked a two-year deal worth $24.5 million last offseason but was limited to just seven games due to injury.
With his release, the Bengals will gain back 9.6 million in salary cap savings while only taking a hit of $2 million against the cap in dead money.
Former #Texans DT Sheldon Rankins has been released by the #Bengals.
Rankins signed a one-year deal with Houston in 2023, where he posted six sacks and a career high 29 solo tackles. He signed a 2-year, $24.5 million contract with Cincinnati last offseason. https://t.co/QwWSjgVkWR
— Sam Warren (@samwarren_3) February 21, 2025
A former first-round pick out of Louisville, Rankins was at his best in the DeMeco Ryans’ style defense. He found his stride during the 2022 season as a member of the New York Jets under Robert Saleh but truly came into Pro Bowl-caliber form a year later.
During his lone season with the Texans, Rankins racked up six sacks and nine tackles for loss. He also finished with a position-high 37 tackles and 10 QB hits.
Houston’s need for a long-term defensive tackle could lead to a potential reunion this offseason. Rankins seemed to have left on good terms with the AFC South franchise and reportedly had been in talks about a new contract before eventually signing with the AFC North franchise.
Bengals released veteran DT Sheldon Rankins, who started seven games last season.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 21, 2025
The Texans currently must decide if they plan on re-signing Mario Edwards Jr. and Foley Fatukasi after promising seasons in the defensive line last offseason. Both could be looking for multi-year deals while Houston could be more interested in a one-year contract for a starter, as evidenced by previous deals under general manager Nick Caserio.
Given the Texans’ cap situation, a one-year deal could be in play for Rankins to return as a rotational option. Adding him would also allow Houston to move defensive tackle down the pecking order entering the draft, thus making offensive line and receiver a priority.
SCOOP & SCORE FOR SHELDON RANKINS
pic.twitter.com/8wEbGIsA2C
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) December 31, 2023
Defensive tackle, offensive line, receiver and safety should be the top moves to monitor in free agency, so Rankins might be one of several names to monitor in the coming weeks.