Breaking: Jets sign DT Rankins

A surprise, to be sure, but a welcome one.

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

The 26-year old Rankins is the third former first round pick signed in free agency so far by the Jets. He's solid against the run but also contributes as a pass rusher. He has 17.5 career sacks, including eight in 2018.

While the defensive interior is seen as more of a strength than a need area, the Jets are bringing in a talented scheme fit who should add to the rotation. Rankins has actually only started one game in the last two years, but he gets a lot of rotational reps off the bench so perhaps that will also be his role with the Jets despite the size of his new contract.