Sheldon Rankins spent the first five seasons of his career with the New Orleans Saints after being selected 12th overall in 2016. Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Veteran DT Sheldon Rankins, Jets agree to two-year, $17 million deal

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 3/21/21

Veteran defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins and the New York Jets agreed to a two-year, $17 million deal on Sunday, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.

The #Jets are making another add to their defense: DT Sheldon Rankins. The 12th overall pick in 2016 has agreed to a two-year deal worth up to $17 million, source says.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 21, 2021

Rankins spent the first five seasons of his career with the New Orleans Saints after being selected 12th overall in 2016.

The 26-year-old registered 1.5 sacks, 20 tackles, three tackles for a loss and nine quarterback hits in 2020. He started all 16 games in 2017 and 2018 but hasn't been a true starter since.

New Orleans has lost several players this offseason while it tries to get under the salary cap, including Janoris Jenkins, Kwon Alexander and Jared Cook. Not to mention star quarterback Drew Brees retired.

The Jets, on the other hand, continue to be aggressive before the 2021 draft. Gang Green has added Carl Lawson, Lamarcus Joyner and Jarrad Davis on defense.

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