The Houston Texans secured guard Ed Ingram and defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins with new contracts ahead of the NFL’s free agency period, ensuring both players remain with the team. On Monday, Ingram agreed to a three-year, $37.5 million deal while Rankins signed a two-year contract featuring $12 million guaranteed, highlighting the Texans’ commitment to strengthening key positions on their roster.
Details of Ingram and Rankins Contract Extensions
Ed Ingram, who would have been a top interior offensive lineman available in free agency, agreed to stay in Houston with a deal that includes $23.5 million guaranteed. This agreement came just hours before the NFL’s free agent negotiation window opened Monday. At 27 years old, Ingram’s return will help stabilize a Texans offensive line that has undergone significant changes, having traded away starters Tytus Howard and Juice Scruggs earlier in the month.
Sheldon Rankins, 31, returns on a two-year contract backed by $12 million in guarantees, according to agents Matthew Pope and Bill Johnson of Apex Sports Group. Rankins rejoined Houston last season after playing for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2024. Over 17 starts last season, he contributed three sacks, 35 tackles, and a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown, reinforcing his value to the Texans’ defensive front.
Player Backgrounds and Performance Highlights
Ingram was acquired from the Minnesota Vikings last offseason after a period of limited playtime in Minnesota. He impressed in 2025, demonstrating solid protection skills by allowing one of the lowest pressure rates among guards—with a 6.4% pressure rate over 400-plus pass-block snaps according to Next Gen Stats. Since entering the league as a 2022 second-round pick, he has played in 62 games, starting 55.
Rankins began his NFL career as a first-round pick by the New Orleans Saints in 2016. He spent five seasons with New Orleans before signing with the New York Jets in 2021. His NFL journey also included the Texans, whom he joined in 2023 after two seasons with the Jets. Over his 10-year career, Rankins has amassed 281 tackles, 33.5 sacks, and forced five fumbles, bringing valuable veteran experience to the Texans defense.
Additional Moves and Team Outlook
Beyond Ingram and Rankins, Houston also signed former Chicago Bears defensive end Dominique Robinson to a one-year deal worth up to $4 million, further enhancing the team’s defensive options. These contract renewals and signings indicate the Texans’ efforts to reinforce both the offensive and defensive lines as they prepare for the upcoming season.
The retention of Ingram and Rankins underscores the Texans’ strategy to build stability around key players as the team navigates roster turnover and free agency challenges. Their contributions in previous seasons prove crucial, and these new deals are likely to impact the Texans’ competitiveness and depth moving forward.
