Texans Re-Sign Defensive Tackle Sheldon Rankins on One-Year Deal

Rankins returns to Houston on a $7 million contract after a challenging season in Cincinnati, aiming to bolster the Texans' defensive line.

Sheldon Rankins agreed to a one-year, $7 million contract with the Houston Texans, marking his return to the team after a year with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Rankins previously played for Houston in 2023, contributing six sacks and helping the team achieve a top-10 run defense ranking that season.
In 2024, Rankins faced setbacks with Cincinnati, including injuries and a viral illness, which limited him to just seven games and one sack.
The Texans sought Rankins to fill a gap at defensive tackle, addressing one of their top offseason priorities as stated by head coach DeMeco Ryans.
Rankins' return is expected to enhance the defensive front and provide leadership, particularly for younger players like Will Anderson Jr., who benefited from his mentorship in 2023.