The veteran defensive tackle has been essential to the interior of the Texans’ defensive line.
The Houston Texans have a tough decision looming this offseason. Veteran defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins is set to test the market in free agency and should be a priority for Houston given his importance to the interior of DeMeco Ryans’ defensive front.
At 31 years old, Rankins finished the 2025 season—and his second stint with the Texans—with 38 total tackles (26 solo), 44 total pressures, five sacks and 25 stops, according to Pro Football Focus. He also took a fumble back for a touchdown in the Wild Card matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Losing Rankins would leave a significant void along the interior of Houston’s defensive line—not only in terms of his on-field production, but also his leadership and veteran presence. He has served as a mentor to star edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. during his time in Houston, and his high football IQ has been beneficial for the young talent up front. The Texans’ defense tied with the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks for sixth in the NFL with 47 sacks, as Rankins’ interior disruption helped free up edge rushers Anderson Jr. and All-Pro Danielle Hunter.
Rankins was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the first round of the 2016 NFL draft out of Louisville. He recorded four sacks his rookie season, with 20 sacks, 157 total pressures, 114 total tackles (84 solo), 76 stops, three forced fumbles and an interception over his five-year tenure in the black and gold. Ultimately, Rankins joined the New York Jets in 2021 free agency on a two-year, $17 million deal, where he'd spend two seasons with 69 total tackles (50 solo), 43 stops, eight sacks and 49 total pressures.
Rankins signed a one-year, $10.5 million deal with the Texans in 2023, recording six sacks, 42 total pressures, 35 total tackles (29 solo), 28 stops and a fumble returned for a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans. Following his strong season, he signed a two-year, $26 million deal with the Cincinnati Bengals ahead of the 2024 campaign. He appeared in just seven games due to a hamstring injury and a serious illness, finishing with one sack, four total pressures, 17 total tackles (12 solo) and six stops. Rankins spent one season in Cincinnati before being released in the offseason.
This led Rankins back to Houston, where he quickly got back on his feet and returned to his disruptive ways. He should be a priority for the Texans this offseason, as the defense is the engine of the team.
Category: General Sports
