Reports: Texans re-sign DT Sheldon Rankins to 2-year deal

Field Level MediaField Level Media|published: Mon 9th March, 11:52 2026
NFL: Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston TexansNov 9, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (90) runs for a touchdown after recovering a fumble by the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second half at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

The Houston Texans are retaining defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins on a two-year deal, according to multiple reports Monday.

The new contract for the former first-round pick includes $12 million guaranteed, according to NFL Network.


Rankins, 31, signed with the Texans out of free agency ahead of the 2023 season but left after one season, signing a two-year deal with the Cincinnati Bengals.

He was released one year into that deal, returning to Houston and starting all 17 games last season. He recorded 35 tackles, five tackles for loss, three sacks and a fumble recovery he returned for a touchdown.

The 12th overall pick by the New Orleans Saints in the 2016 NFL Draft, Rankins has played 133 games (90 starts) over the last 10 seasons, amassing 281 tackles, 49 TFLs, 33.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and one interception.


--Field Level Media

home reports-texans-re-sign-dt-sheldon-rankins-to-2-year-deal