The Cowboys Make Their Stance Clear on Sheldon Rankins

A Bold Statement in Five Words

The Dallas Cowboys wasted no time addressing speculation about veteran defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins after the Cincinnati Bengals released him. Their response? “We are not pursuing him.”

This five-word declaration shuts down any rumors of a potential move, signaling that Dallas is content with its current defensive line setup heading into the 2025 season.

Why Rankins Was an Appealing Option

Rankins, a former first-round pick, remains a highly respected defensive tackle in the league. His ability to generate interior pressure and stop the run made him an intriguing free-agent option. After posting an impressive season with the Bengals, where he recorded multiple sacks and key tackles for loss, many expected the Cowboys to at least explore signing him.

With Dallas needing reinforcements on the defensive line, speculation grew that Rankins could be a natural fit. However, the team quickly ended that conversation.

The Cowboys’ Current Defensive Line Strategy

By deciding against pursuing Rankins, the Cowboys reaffirm their commitment to their current defensive roster. Players like Osa Odighizuwa, Mazi Smith, and Johnathan Hankins remain key figures in the interior. The team may also look toward the NFL Draft or lower-cost free agents to improve depth.

Another factor influencing this decision is financial flexibility. With major contracts looming for stars like Micah Parsons and CeeDee Lamb, Dallas is being cautious with its cap space. Signing Rankins could have limited their ability to address other roster needs.

A Confident Move for Dallas

By publicly shutting down the possibility of signing Rankins, the Cowboys are sending a message—they believe in their current plan. Whether that decision pays off remains to be seen, but for now, the team is sticking to its blueprint.

As free agency continues and the draft approaches, the Cowboys will need to prove that their confidence in the defensive line is justified.