Sheldon Rankins Cut by Bengals; Saves $9.6M Amid Chase, Higgins Contract Rumors

Sheldon Rankins' tenure with the Cincinnati Bengals has come to a close, as the franchise instead looks to extend its top stars.

The Bengals confirmed Friday that they released the veteran defensive tackle after he started seven games in 2024, his only season with the franchise.

Adam Schefter of ESPN noted the Bengals will save $9.6 million in salary cap space as a result of the move. Hankins' release comes as Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Trey Hendrickson have all been linked to new contracts to keep them in Cincinnati.

Rankins recorded 18 tackles and a sack in 2024. He missed three games due to a hamstring injury and seven games due to an illness.

While the defensive depth could take a hit with the release, Cincinnati is currently looking to save as much as possible to pay its top talent. Higgins had 73 catches for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2024 while Chase had 127 catches for 1,708 yards and 17 touchdowns and won the receiving triple crown.

This production helped quarterback Joe Burrow have an excellent season and the offense led the NFL in passing yards. The trio of stars have expressed a desire to remain together and cutting costs to retain them appears to be the Bengals strategy.

Cincinnati is also looking to pay star defensive end Trey Hendrickson, who had 33 tackles, 17.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in 2024. The Bengals have a projected $58.1 million in salary cap space for 2025, per Spotrac.