The Cincinnati Bengals are heading into a crucial offseason after missing the playoffs in 2024, but they are in a favorable position with one of the NFL’s top young quarterbacks, Joe Burrow, and a solid amount of cap space to work with. Currently, the team is projected to have approximately $47 million in available cap space, according to Over the Cap, and there’s potential to free up even more room by making some difficult roster decisions. This could be especially important if the Bengals plan to keep star wide receiver Tee Higgins, whose future with the team may require additional cap flexibility.
In an analysis of potential offseason moves, Ben Rolfe of Pro Football Network highlighted veteran defensive lineman Sheldon Rankins as a possible cap casualty for the Bengals. Rankins, who signed a two-year, $24.5 million contract with the team prior to the 2024 season, did not live up to expectations during his first year in Cincinnati. He struggled with injuries, playing only seven games—missing three due to a hamstring injury and another seven because of illness. His production was lackluster, with just 18 tackles, one sack, and one tackle for loss. As a result, the Bengals’ defensive line as a whole underperformed, with only Trey Hendrickson managing more than five sacks.
Before joining the Bengals, Rankins had been a productive player for several teams, including the New Orleans Saints, where he was drafted in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He had his best season in 2018 with the Saints, recording eight sacks and 41 tackles. Rankins also spent time with the New York Jets and the Houston Texans before coming to Cincinnati, where his hoped-for impact did not materialize in 2024.
The Bengals, however, are not financially strapped and could choose to retain Rankins, hoping he can return to his previous form in 2025. The team still has needs on the defensive line and may opt to give Rankins another shot, but they also face tough decisions regarding their roster. If the Bengals decide to part ways with the veteran defensive tackle, they can save $8.6 million against the cap by releasing him with a pre-June 1 designation. This money could be crucial in helping the Bengals address their various roster needs, which span multiple positions, as they continue to build a competitive team around Burrow.
Ultimately, Cincinnati’s offseason will be shaped by how they manage their available cap space, with Rankins’ situation representing just one of many decisions the team will need to make in order to strengthen their roster for 2025. While cutting Rankins may seem like a tough choice given his past productivity, the financial flexibility it would provide could be vital as the Bengals look to improve in areas that are essential for a playoff run in the upcoming season.
