From the previous campaign, the Houston Texans’ defense got better. In 2022, they were ranked 27th, in yards, 30th, rushing, and 19th in sacks; in 2023, they were ranked 11th, in yards, 6th, rushing, and 14th in sacks.
Houston has a lot of free agents this summer and doesn’t have enough cap room ($70 million) to sign them all. The team is interested in bringing back its starting defensive lineman, who is one free agency.
Re-signing a veteran defensive player is something the Houston Texans are considering doing.Sheldon Rankins of the Houston Texans.
Houston and Sheldon Rankins have a “mutual interest” in negotiating a new agreement, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2.
“Sources say that the Texans and veteran defensive lineman Sheldon Rankins, who had six sacks in the previous season, are interested in working out a new deal, though nothing is official at this time. But the Texans might continue to have alternatives. Defensive tackle has a very deep free agent class.
Rankins performed admirably in his Houston debut season.Sheldon Rankins,
During the offseason, Houston signed Rankins to a $9.5 million, one-year contract.
Rankins made 15 appearances and finished with 37 tackles, nine of which were for a loss, ten quarterback hits, six sacks, one forced fumble, and a touchdown off a fumble recovery. He also had three stops in two postseason contests.
What Houston will do if they decide not to re-sign Rankins.Texans of Houston, Nick Caserio
Houston might address the situation in free agency if they choose to let Rankins depart. Chris Jones, D.J. Reader, DaQuan Jones, Christian Wilkins, and Justin Madubuike are a few well-known DTs that are unrestricted free agents.
Houston will take care of the position in the draft if they decide not to sign any free agents that are DTs.
