The Bengals paid the required amount for Sheldon Rankins because they were in severe need of defensive line support.

In 2023, the Cincinnati Bengals had difficulties on the inside, particularly with the players who supported DJ Reader and BJ Hill.

The defensive line performed fairly well when the two were on the field. However, opposition teams could easily run straight up the middle whenever the reserves entered the game. Even though they let Reader go, the Bengals are still trying to improve the inside with Sheldon Rankins.

They not only signed Rankins, but it also looks like they defeated the Texans in the bidding battle.

Aaron Wilson claims that the Bengals made a 2/26 offer to acquire Rankins, and the Texans accepted the offer up to twelve million annually.

Rankins has been a fantastic interior lineman, so the Bengals pass rush should be much stronger. Although there is still a vacuum in the depth, it is evident that the Bengals were proactive in fixing it in free agency after realizing that they had one.

With any luck, the team will be able to recruit a few more players to strengthen its defensive line interior. It is unclear if the upcoming additions will come through the NFL Draft or free agency.