Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (98) after stopping a run on the goal line in the second quarter of the NFL Week 8 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Philadelphia Eagles at Paycor Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024. Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Former Cincinnati Bengals Defensive Tackle Sheldon Rankins Signing With Houston Texans

Originally posted on Cincinnati Bengals on SI
By James Rapien | Last updated Mar 10, 2025 6:57 AM ET

Former Bengals defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins is signing a one-year contract with the Houston Texans worth up to $7 million.

Rankins underperformed in Cincinnati last season, finishing with 18 tackles and one sack in seven games. He missed most of the season due to an illness and didn't give the Bengals' pass rush the boost they had hoped when they signed him.

The Bengals signed Rankins to a two-year, $26 million contract last March.

The Texans pushed to keep him after he exceeded expectations in 2023. Rankins had 37 tackles (nine for loss) and six sacks in 15 games for Houston, which led to him being a hot commodity on the free agent market.

The Bengals released Rankins last month.

The Texans have agreed to terms with DT Sheldon Rankins on a one-year deal, worth up to $7 million, per source.

Rankins spent 2023 in Houston before a year in Cincinnati, but now returns to DeMeco Ryans’ defense.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 10, 2025