Timing of the Cincinnati Bengals' latest roster move was unique, but hardly unexpected given 2025 offseason circumstances
The Cincinnati Bengals have made an expected salary cap-clearing move, but the timing doesn't follow typical patterns. On Friday, the Bengals announced they've released DT Sheldon Rankins. This comes just a season after Cincinnati had signed Rankins to a two-year deal as a replacement for D.J. Reader, but he was hardly the player he was […]
The Cincinnati Bengals have made an expected salary cap-clearing move, but the timing doesn't follow typical patterns.
On Friday, the Bengals announced they've released DT Sheldon Rankins. This comes just a season after Cincinnati had signed Rankins to a two-year deal as a replacement for D.J. Reader, but he was hardly the player he was billed to be after a standout season in Houston in 2023.
Rankins started seven games for the Bengals in 2024, recording 18 tackles, one sack, and one tackle for loss. He missed most of the 2024 season, dealing with a hamstring injury and a previously undisclosed illness, now reported as viral meningitis, which landed him on the reserve/non-football illness list and ultimately ended his time in Cincy.
"The team did this unusually early," A to Z Sports' John Sheeran said. "They normally wait until after free agency begins (for these types of moves)."
The Bengals might have sought to complete this business earlier than usual because they have a busy offseason ahead. Star wide receivers Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase will likely receive significant extensions. Cincinnati needs as much cap space, and perhaps, more importantly, cash, as possible to keep its star players, the other pending free agents, and any outside, free agents it may seek to add in 2025.
The move to release Rankins clears $9.6M in salary cap space for the 2025 NFL offseason. Following this week's cap space range announcement from the NFL, this could bring the Bengals' cap space total well over the $60M mark should things land on the higher end of the projected range.
With the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine approaching, communications with representation for Higgins, Chase, and others will begin to take place. Having funds to kick those off on the right foot is probably a wise choice.