Houston Texans sign Sheldon Rankins

The Texans' two-year, $17M deal for Sheldon Rankins earns a C+ CVI, representing a fair market transaction for a solid starter who brings proven interior pass rush but carries durability concerns. At $8.5M annually, Houston paid right around market rate for a veteran defensive tackle who's posted 6+ sacks in three of his last four healthy seasons, though his injury history — including missing significant time in recent years — prevents this from being a steal. The $12M guaranteed over two years provides reasonable protection for the Texans while giving Rankins solid security, creating a balanced risk profile that neither side should regret. Compared to recent DT signings, this falls right in the middle tier — more expensive than prove-it deals for aging veterans but well below the $15M+ range reserved for elite interior disruptors. The short-term commitment preserves Houston's long-term cap flexibility while addressing an immediate need for their playoff push, though the guaranteed money does carry some risk given Rankins' injury track record. This is textbook roster-building for a team trying to maximize their window — paying fair value for a known commodity who can contribute immediately without mortgaging the future.