Sheldon Rankins Returns to Houston Texans: A Reunion with High Hopes
HOUSTON — In a move that has fans buzzing, Sheldon Rankins is making his way back to the Houston Texans. The defensive tackle has signed a one-year deal worth $7 million, as confirmed by a source to ESPN. This marks Rankins’ second stint with the Texans, having previously joined the team in 2023 on a one-year, $10.5 million contract. During that season, he notched six sacks, the second most in a single season for the 2016 first-round draft pick.
Rankins’ return is part of a broader strategy to revamp Houston’s defensive tackle lineup. The Texans are looking to shake things up, especially with Mario Edwards and Foley Fatukasi, who started a combined 23 games in 2024, now entering free agency. This move signals a fresh start and a chance for the Texans to bolster their defensive line with Rankins’ experience and skill set.
Rankins’ journey back to Houston comes after a challenging season with the Cincinnati Bengals. Released on February 21, just a year after signing a two-year, $24.5 million contract, Rankins was expected to be a significant asset to Cincinnati’s defensive line. However, his time with the Bengals was marred by injuries and illness, limiting him to just seven games. A hamstring injury sidelined him for three games, and after returning in Week 6, he played five consecutive games before a viral illness, as initially reported by coach Zac Taylor, kept him out for the final seven games of the regular season.
The Athletic was the first to report on Rankins’ deal to return to the Texans, and the news has been met with a mix of excitement and cautious optimism. Rankins, who was a first-round pick by the New Orleans Saints in 2016, has accumulated impressive stats over his nine NFL seasons, including 30.5 sacks, 69 quarterback hits, and 246 tackles (44 for loss).
For the Texans, Rankins’ return is not just about filling a roster spot; it’s about reigniting a spark in their defensive strategy. His previous performance with the team showed glimpses of his potential impact, and the hope is that he can replicate or even surpass that success in the upcoming season.
- Rankins’ 2023 season with the Texans: 6 sacks
- Rankins’ career stats: 30.5 sacks, 69 quarterback hits, 246 tackles (44 for loss)
- Texans’ defensive tackle room changes: Mario Edwards and Foley Fatukasi now free agents
As the Texans gear up for the new season, all eyes will be on Rankins to see if he can overcome the setbacks of the past year and deliver the kind of performance that made him a first-round pick. His reunion with the Texans is a storyline filled with potential, and fans are eager to see how it unfolds.
ESPN’s Ben Baby contributed to this report.
Originally Written by: DJ Bien-Aime
