Texans Re-Sign DT Sheldon Rankins to 2-Year Deal

The veteran defensive tackle returns to Houston after a brief stint with the Bengals.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Houston Texans have re-signed defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins to a two-year contract, according to multiple reports. The deal includes $12 million in guaranteed money. Rankins, a former first-round pick, played for the Texans in 2023 before signing with the Cincinnati Bengals. He was released by the Bengals after one season and returned to the Texans, starting all 17 games in 2024 and recording 35 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, and a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown.

Why it matters

Retaining Rankins provides stability and experience on the Texans' defensive line as the team looks to build on its 2024 campaign. Rankins has been a productive player throughout his 10-year NFL career, and his familiarity with the Texans' system should help him make an immediate impact.

The details

Rankins, the 12th overall pick by the New Orleans Saints in the 2016 NFL Draft, has played in 133 games (90 starts) over the past 10 seasons. He has amassed 281 tackles, 49 tackles for loss, 33.5 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, 4 fumble recoveries, and 1 interception during his career.

  • Rankins signed with the Texans as a free agent ahead of the 2023 season.
  • He left the Texans after one season, signing a two-year deal with the Cincinnati Bengals.
  • Rankins was released by the Bengals after one year and returned to the Texans in 2024, starting all 17 games.

The players

Sheldon Rankins

A veteran defensive tackle who has played 10 seasons in the NFL, including stints with the New Orleans Saints, Cincinnati Bengals, and Houston Texans.

Houston Texans

An NFL team based in Houston, Texas that competes in the AFC South division.

Cincinnati Bengals

An NFL team based in Cincinnati, Ohio that competes in the AFC North division.

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The takeaway

The Texans' decision to re-sign Rankins demonstrates their commitment to building a strong defensive unit and retaining experienced players who can contribute to the team's success.