Bengals Part Ways with Veteran DT Sheldon Rankins Amid Salary Cap Cuts

CINCINNATI, Ohio — The Cincinnati Bengals have officially announced the release of defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins, a 10-year NFL veteran. The decision comes as part of the team’s efforts to create salary cap space ahead of the upcoming season.

Rankins, who joined the Bengals last year as an unrestricted free agent, played in seven games during the 2024 season, all as a starter. The Bengals tweeted, “We have released DT Sheldon Rankins,” confirming the move on Friday.

The 30-year-old defensive tackle was unable to build on his reputation, missing most of the past season due to illness and being placed on the non-football illness list in December. His release frees up approximately $9.6 million in salary cap space, though it also creates $2 million in dead money for the Bengals.

Rankins, originally a first-round pick by the New Orleans Saints in 2016, had a fluctuating career marked by injuries. After contributing solidly in previous seasons, he signed a two-year, $24.5 million contract with Cincinnati. In his brief time with the Bengals, he recorded 18 tackles and one sack in 2024.

Since entering the NFL, Rankins has navigated multiple contract renegotiations. He initially signed a four-year, $12.8 million deal with the Saints, who later exercised his fifth-year option worth $7.7 million for the 2020 season. Subsequently, he signed a two-year, $17 million contract with the New York Jets before his time with the Texans and finally the Bengals.

This release adds to a list of likely cap-related moves by Cincinnati as they prepare for the 2025 season and manage their roster. The Bengals are focused on fielding a competitive team while also adhering to the financial realities of the NFL.