Will Anderson Jr. played a big role in getting Sheldon Rankins to return to Houston after viral meningitis sidelined him in Cincinnati.

New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (98) celebrates a tackle in the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY ...

Sheldon Rankins lost a season after dealing with viral meningitis and shingles in Cincinnati, but he's ready to respond after joining with the Texans ...

New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (98) does a dance after sacking Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (10) during the second half of a NFC wild card game at the Mercedes ...

Houston Texans defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (98) celebrates a touchdown after a fumble recovery during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Dec. 31 ...

New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (98) stretches during an NFL football training camp practice at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center in Metairie, La., Friday, August 21, 2020.

Rankins will turn 30 next month and be on his third team in three seasons, but he’s been a consistent pass rusher inside. Rankins is No. 132 on Randy Mueller’s list of 150 free agents.

CINCINNATI — When Sheldon Rankins greeted Zac Taylor upon coming to Cincinnati to sign his new contract, he didn’t start with pleasantries or even, hey, thanks for the $26 million. He’s a ...

Entering his third season, New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins is looking to build on what he's accomplished since entering the NFL and become a leader on the defense.

Sheldon Rankins contract with the Cincinnati Bengals The Bengals signed Rankins to a two-year deal worth $26 million after years of trying to court him in free agency.

Sheldon Rankins is out 4-6 weeks with a dislocated elbow. Getty Images The Jets have stayed pretty healthy on defense this year, only losing linebacker Quincy Williams for two weeks to a sprained ...

Sheldon Rankins playing for the Saints in 2020. Getty Images Rankins has battled injuries in each of the last two seasons with the Saints. Last year a knee sprain cost him four games. He ended up ...