CINCINNATI — One of many Cincinnati Bengals’ prized free brokers from a yr in the past is not on the roster, because the group launched defensive sort out Sheldon Rankins on Friday.
Final offseason, Rankins signed a two-year deal value $24.5 million. Nevertheless, after taking part in in simply seven video games within the first season of that deal, Cincinnati opted to half methods with the veteran.
When Rankins signed with the group in 2024, he was projected to offer an enormous enhance for Cincinnati’s line of defense. The yr earlier than becoming a member of the Bengals, Rankins had six sacks with the Houston Texans. Three of these occurred in a 2023 win in opposition to the Bengals, one in all Rankins’ prime profession performances.
Nevertheless, accidents and sickness performed a job in Rankins not panning out in Cincinnati. He missed three video games with a hamstring damage earlier than returning in Week 6 for the subsequent 5 video games. Throughout that span, he totaled one sack and one quarterback hit.
The 31-year-old missed the ultimate seven video games of the common season with what coach Zac Taylor initially mentioned was a viral sickness. At one level later within the yr, Taylor expressed optimism that Rankins may return to play. Nevertheless, he by no means returned and was ultimately positioned on the non-football injured reserve in Week 18, the ultimate week of the common season.
Rankins was due a roster bonus on March 17. By releasing him on Friday, the Bengals will acquire $9.6 million in wage cap financial savings whereas additionally occurring a useless cash hit of $2 million in opposition to the cap.
Cincinnati is trying to retool a protection that struggled final season. Regardless of profession years from quarterback Joe Burrow, broad receiver Ja’Marr Chase and defensive finish Trey Hendrickson, Cincinnati completed with an 9-8 report and missed the postseason for a second straight yr.
