Douglas Bolsters D-Line With Addition of Sheldon Rankins

In a move that could give the Jets one of the better defensive lines in the NFL, the Jets have come to terms with defensive lineman Sheldon Rankins on a 2-year deal worth up to $17 million.  The former first-round draft choice will join Quinnen Williams, Carl Lawson, John Franklin-Myers, Foley Fatukasi, Nathan Shepherd and Kyle Phillips to complete a very impressive depth chart.

The #Jets are making another add to their defense: DT Sheldon Rankins. The 12th overall pick in 2016 has agreed to a two-year deal worth up to $17 million, source says.

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 21, 2021

Selected 12th overall in the 2016 draft by the Saints, Rankins has played up to his draft slot when healthy, but has had issues staying on the field at times.  Starting 32 of 32 games in 2017/2018, Rankins was limited to just 22 contests (1 start) since then.  He had his best season in 2018 when he racked up 8 sacks, 12 tackles for loss and 15 quarterback  hits to go along with his 40 total tackles.

With the defensive line bolstered, look for Joe Douglas and company to start looking at free agent cornerbacks where the Jets are incredibly thin.