Defensive lineman Sheldon Rankins has signed with the Cincinnati Bengals, and it’s clear that his decision to join the club is based on the potential of it making a championship run next season.

“[It’s] a team that’s truly capable of going and winning it all,” Rankins said during his introductory press conference, via the Bengals’ official X account. “A few years ago this team was in the Super Bowl and we’ve got all the makings to make that kind of run again. So, I’m looking forward to it.”

Cincinnati did indeed make it to the Super Bowl during the 2021-22 campaign, ultimately falling to the Los Angeles Rams. The Bengals then lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game the following season.

This past year, Cincinnati went just 9-8 and missed the playoffs, but much of that had to do with injuries that absolutely ravaged the roster.

The Bengals are healthier heading into 2024, and Rankins is prepared to be part of something great.

Rankins spent the 2023 campaign with the Houston Texans, playing in 15 games and registering 37 tackles, six sacks, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and a defensive touchdown.

The 29-year-old, who played his collegiate football at Louisville, was originally selected by the New Orleans Saints with the 12th overall pick of the 2016 NFL Draft.

He spent the first five years of his career with the Saints, with his best season coming in 2018 when he racked up 40 tackles, eight sacks and a forced fumble.

Unfortunately, Rankins was unable to truly shine in New Orleans, as he had difficulty staying healthy throughout his tenure with the club.

He then joined the New York Jets for a couple of seasons, where he posted decent results before linking up with the Texans last year.

Now, Sheldon Rankins will be joining a Bengals defensive front that is in desperate need of some assistance.

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