Sheldon Rankins to Cincy - 2 years $26 million

Rankins, 30, 6-2, 305lbs is a DT entering his 8th season out of Louisville

A menace in the interior, Rankins helped flip the Texans Run Defense from 32th in 2022 to 6th in 2023

Stats (15 games)
• 6 sacks
• 9 TFL
• 74.7 PFF Pass Rush (26/78)

OH YEA!

Now just sign Reader and we'll be good at DT, at least in regards to #18.

Bengals wanted to add firepower up front. Rankins certainly helps, and the team has wanted to re-sign D.J. Reader, who is on a plane to Detroit tonight for a #Lions visit. https://t.co/rMOAyynE13

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 14, 2024

He is about same age as Reader. I guess if they sign Rankin, Reader is gone.

Just kind of another (less healthy) BJ Hill, no?

I kind of had my eye on Rankins. Probably an upgrade to Reader in pass rushing.

(03-13-2024, 09:05 PM)psychdoctor Wrote: He is about same age as Reader.  I guess if they sign Rankin, Reader is gone.

I'm good with it.... two quad injuries and not ready to start the season just wouldn't be something I'm interested in.

Welcome big guy!

Nice.

Go Cards !

You know I like seeing a Card signed, yet still hope Reader comes back somehow as well.

(03-13-2024, 09:02 PM)QueenCity Wrote: Sheldon Rankins to Cincy ??

Rankins, 30, 6-2, 305lbs is a DT entering his 8th season out of Louisville

A menace in the interior, Rankins helped flip the Texans Run Defense from 32th in 2022 to 6th in 2023

Stats (15 games)
• 6 sacks
• 9 TFL
• 74.7 PFF Pass Rush (26/78)

That's refreshing to hear.  Not bad for a guy largely considered to be more of a pass rusher than run stuffer.

(03-13-2024, 09:08 PM)Go Cards Wrote: Go Cards !

You know I like seeing a Card signed, yet still hope Reader comes back somehow as well.

Ugh any Wildcats still available? Need to balance this ish out LOL

(03-13-2024, 09:05 PM)psychdoctor Wrote: He is about same age as Reader.  I guess if they sign Rankin, Reader is gone.

Nah, they play different positions, Rankins is a good run stopping 3-tech like BJ Hill honestly.

Great pickup though, wanted Rankins from the beginning. I want Reader back as well and to draft Sweat.

(03-13-2024, 09:05 PM)TheLeonardLeap Wrote: Just kind of another (less healthy) BJ Hill, no?

Yes, but probably a better pass rusher, but Rankins is just as versatile, really like this pickup. Touch older than I would of liked, but hey opens
up the Draft. I wanted Wilkins who is a touch younger, but this is pretty good this late in my opinion. Now if we can bring in Trent Brown for RT 
I can go back to being my positive self. 

Hate agreeing with the Debbie Downers/Negative Nancy's who were right today until this hopeful signing.

DT and OT still a major concern for a lot of people, this helps. Reader back as well would be nice but I doubt it. Rankins not previously had major issue worries has he? DJ 2 quads are a huge concern.

(03-13-2024, 09:08 PM)Go Cards Wrote: Go Cards !

You know I like seeing a Card signed, yet still hope Reader comes back somehow as well.

Yes sir! I knew they weren't just biased against Louisville, makes no sense.

The contract here will tell us if this is a panic signing or if he was a target

Sheldon Rankins is no DJ Reader in terms of run stuffer and double team commander, but he sure gives us a boost. Welcome to the team!

Arik talks must have fell through. Interesting they are waiting until tonight. Waiting on DJ?

This was one of the HUGE needs - pass rush on the interior. NT is still a gap but that is also draftable if it comes to it.

Sheldon Rankins pass rush win rate (14.6%) was 10th among interior defenders last season.

(03-13-2024, 09:14 PM)SunsetBengal Wrote: Sheldon Rankins is no DJ Reader in terms of run stuffer and double team commander, but he sure gives us a boost.  Welcome to the team!

I think that if Reader is replaced, it will be Tart.  He'll be cheap and actually plays NT.

I hate to see DJ go.  He's probably my favorite FA signing of the Taylor era.