The [NFL’s](http://New York Jets land All-Pro safety from division rival ahead of NFL free agency) new league year is approaching, with the legal tampering period set to begin at 12 p.m. Teams across the league are working to retain key players before they reach the free agency market.
The Houston Texans have stayed busy this offseason, making several moves to shape their roster. Now they have finalized a deal to keep one of their key defensive contributors.
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Reports indicate the Texans have signed Sheldon Rankins to a two-year extension that includes $12 million in new guarantees.
The #Texans and DT Sheldon Rankins have agreed to a new two-year deal that includes $12 million guaranteed for him to return to Houston.
Rankins remains a key part of a dominant defensive front via a deal done by Matthew Pope and Bill Johnson of @ApexSportsGroup. pic.twitter.com/bZtfV8gxna
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 9, 2026
Houston fielded the NFL’s best defense last season, and that unit helped keep a struggling offense afloat on the way to a postseason appearance.
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Rankins played a major role in that success. During the Texans’ wild-card matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, he scooped up a fumble and returned it for a touchdown, extending Houston’s lead and effectively putting the game out of reach.
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The extension also continues Rankins’ second stint with the Texans. The former 2016 first-round pick previously played on Houston’s 2023 squad, which also delivered a dominant wild-card performance.
Jan 12, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Houston Texans owner Cal McNair greets defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (90) after an AFC Wild Card Round game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Rankins spent the 2024 season with the Cincinnati Bengals before returning to Houston in 2025. With this extension, the Texans will keep him in the fold for the next two seasons as they look to build on their elite defensive performance.
In 2025, Rankins recorded three sacks, five tackles for loss, and started all 17 games for the Texans.
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