Oct 20, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (98) tackles Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during the first half at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Report: Texans Interested in Signing Former Bengals Defensive Tackle Sheldon Rankins

Originally posted on Cincinnati Bengals on SI
By James Rapien | Last updated Mar 4, 2025 3:59 PM ET

Former Bengals defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins is generating interest from at least one NFL team.

The Houston Texans are interested in a reunion with the soon-to-be 31-year-old according to NFL insider Aaron Wilson.

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.

Even though things didn't work out in Cincinnati, it sounds like the veteran may get another chance to play in the NFL this season.

The Bengals released Rankins last month.

#Texans have interest in bringing back defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins, per sources, and he has a market around #NFL Texans outbid last year by few million as he signed for two-year, $26 million with #Bengals Fully healthy now after bout with viral meningitis @KPRC2… https://t.co/3X92n8XwBW
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 4, 2025