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Houston Texans get a boost to DeMeco's defense by signing former first-round pick

Texans add a key piece to the defensive line.Photo via Getty Images, composite by Brandon Strange.

It's no secret, the Texans have struggled mightily to stop the run over the last several seasons. And it looks like they are trying hard to get that corrected in 2023. Head coach DeMeco Ryans was able to convince former 49ers DT Hassan Ridgeway to come to Houston with him and sign a one-year deal this week. A good first step.

But clearly, the Texans feel like they have more work to do on the defensive line.

Mike Garafolo is reporting that the Texans and former Saints first-round pick Sheldon Rankins have agreed on a 1-year deal for $10.5 million.

Rankins spent his first five years in New Orleans, and played the last two seasons with the New York Jets.

His best statistical season was with the Saints in 2018 when he had 8 sacks, 12 tackles for a loss, and 15 QB hits. Hopefully, Rankins can recapture some of that magic he had with the Saints early in his career.

Even if he maintains his current level of play, this should be a nice upgrade to the Texans defensive front.

In 2022, Rankins recorded 43 tackles, 3 sacks, and 1 forced fumble in 15 games with the Jets.

He will be 29 years old when the season begins.

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