Report: DT Sheldon Rankins reuniting with Texans

Field Level Media|published: 03/10/2025, 12:08pm EDT

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

Defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins is reuniting with the Houston Texans on a one-year, $7 million deal, ESPN reported Monday.

Rankins, who turns 31 next month, previously played for the Texans in 2023 and contributed six sacks, 37 tackles and a fumble recovery for a touchdown in 15 starts.

The Cincinnati Bengals released Rankins last month in a salary cap move.

He joined the Bengals in free agency last March on a two-year, $24.5 million contract and played in seven games (all starts). He missed 10 games in 2024 due to illness and injury. His release saved the Bengals $9.6 million against the salary cap in 2025.

Rankins has 30.5 sacks, five forced fumbles and one interception in 116 games (73 starts) with the New Orleans Saints (2016-20), New York Jets (2021-22), Texans and Bengals.

The Saints drafted Rankins with the No. 12 overall pick in 2016.

--Field Level Media