The San Francisco 49ers are going to need to address the defensive line this offseason, particularly along the interior. One veteran name who could make sense in free agency is former Houston Texans defensive lineman Sheldon Rankins.
Will the San Francisco 49ers pursue Sheldon Rankins in free agency in 2026?
Rankins has been a reliable interior defensive lineman since entering the league as a first-round pick in 2016. At 31 years old, he is no longer in his prime, but he is coming off a strong 2025 season with the Texans that shows he still has plenty to offer. While his role is not flashy, his impact was felt consistently in the middle of Houston’s defensive front.
Rankins finished the season with three sacks and was one of the Texans’ most dependable run defenders. His ability to anchor against the run played a major role in keeping Houston’s defense among the league’s best. Much of that success came from his discipline and strength at the point of attack, allowing linebackers behind him to flow freely and make plays.
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That profile aligns well with what the 49ers need. San Francisco’s interior defensive line has not provided enough consistent production. Adding a player like Rankins would immediately raise the floor of the unit and provide stability..
There is also a schematic connection worth noting. Rankins thrived in DeMeco Ryans’ defense, and while Raheem Morris runs a different system, the philosophies are similar enough to project a clean transition. The 49ers have seen firsthand how that style of front can get the most out of Rankins, making the evaluation process easier than it would be for many other free agents.
The biggest questions revolve around cost and timing. Spotrac projects Rankins to land a one-year deal worth around $7.5M. Given the 49ers’ need, they may have to exceed that number slightly to lure him away from Houston. Rankins has bounced around in the past and may prefer staying in a system where he just found success.
There is also the concern of age. While Rankins is still effective, he is more impactful against the run than as a pass rusher, and San Francisco must be careful not to allocate too much cap space to players with limited upside. Still, if the price is right, Rankins offers immediate value at a position of need and would be a logical addition to the 49ers’ defensive line rotation.
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