In a previous article, the Texans Roundtable covered the players that are impending unrestricted free agents when the March 11th free agency window opens. 

Christian Kirk

Jimmie Ward

Denico Autry

Sheldon Rankins

Derek Barnett

E.J. Speed

Foley Fatukasi

Tommy Townsend

Tim Settle Jr.

Nick Chubb

M.J. Stewart

Braxton Berrios

Dare Ogunbowale

Ed Ingram

Kurt Hinish

Naquan Jones

Leki Fotu

K'Von Wallace

Christian Harris

Damone Clark

Ja'Marcus Ingram

Trent Brown

Wide receiver Christian Kirk was the focus of the last piece, with there being a case for both keeping Kirk or allowing him to walk. 

For this installment, we'll be taking a look at defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins and the case for both his return and departure. 

Rankins first became a Texan in 2023 after spending his previous two seasons with the New York Jets. Rankins brought over an element of toughness and reliability, as he'd managed to play in 10 games or more in six of his seven previous years in the League. 

Before landing in Houston, he racked up 192 total tackles (117 solo, 75 ast), 23.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. During his first stint with the Texans, he accumulated 37 total tackles (29 solo tackles, career high), six sacks (career high), one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. 

He left the team in the 2024 offseason and joined the Cincinnati Bengals. While there, Rankins posted his lowest career numbers since his 2019 season with the New Orleans Saints (seven games played, 18 total tackles (10 solo, eight ast) and one sack). 

He returned to Houston this offseason, posting yet another strong season in the Texans' defensive system of head coach Demeco Ryans and defensive coordinator Matt Burke (17 games played, 35 total tackles (15 solo, 20 ast), three sacks and one fumble recovery). 

The Texans are in somewhat of a salary cap crunch heading into the 2026 offseason. According to Spotrac and Jetswire, they are working with roughly $13 million in "effective cap space" heading into 2026. 

Even though Spotrac projects Rankins as warranting only a one-year, $7.5 million contract, it may just be a situation where the Texans may opt to go younger and cheaper at the position.

This is especially considering the team potentially prioritizing the offensive side of the ball more than they have in years past this offseason.  

Salary cap implications aside, the Texans' defense benefits greatly from having the 6-foot-2, 305 lb Rankins helping anchor one of the best defensive lines in the NFL. 

Rankins has been highly productive in both of his seasons in Houston, punctuated by his now famous scoop and score against the Pittsburgh Steelers in this year's AFC Wildcard game. 

By keeping Rankins in the fold, it would further allow defensive ends Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter to wreak havoc on opposing offensive tackles, while Rankins and the rest of the defensive line continue to collapse the middle of the pocket on unsuspecting quarterbacks. 

What do you think the Texans should do with Rankins in free agency? Let us know in the comments section below and by mentioning us at @Texans_RTB on X and @Texans.Roundtable on TikTok!