Bengals sign DT Sheldon Rankins to two-year deal

Field Level Media|published: Mon 18th March, 13:44 2024

Houston Texans defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (98) celebrates his touchdown off a ball fumbled by Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis during the second quarter at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas., Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023. credits: Denny Simmons / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Cincinnati Bengals signed defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins to a two-year contract, the team announced on Monday.

The deal is worth $26 million, the Cincinnati Enquirer reported.

Rankins, who turns 30 on April 2, was an unrestricted free agent after his lone season with the Houston Texans in 2023. He totaled 37 tackles, six sacks, nine tackles for loss and 10 quarterback hits in 15 games (all starts).

The New Orleans Saints selected Rankins with the 12th overall pick of the 2016 NFL Draft out of Louisville.

He has played for the Saints (2016-2020), New York Jets (2021-22) and Texans, totaling 228 tackles, 29.5 sacks, 43 tackles for loss, 68 QB hits, five forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries in 109 regular-season games (66 starts).

—Field Level Media