Sat Feb 22 16:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Bengals Release Defensive Tackle Sheldon Rankins, Freeing Up $9.6 Million in Cap Space
**Cincinnati, OH** – The Cincinnati Bengals announced the release of defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins, creating significant cap flexibility heading into a crucial offseason. The move frees up $9.6 million in cap space for the team.
Rankins, 30, joined the Bengals as an unrestricted free agent in March 2023 but played only seven games last season due to a viral illness and various injuries, including a hamstring injury.
This release comes as the Bengals face important decisions regarding several key players. Wide receiver Tee Higgins could become a free agent, while Pro Bowlers Ja’Marr Chase and Trey Hendrickson are likely candidates for contract extensions. Quarterback Joe Burrow has publicly expressed his desire to retain Higgins, even suggesting a potential restructuring of his own contract to facilitate this.
The Bengals are well-positioned financially, projecting over $49 million in cap space for the 2025 season, according to Spotrac, a figure that could increase further with additional cuts. This financial flexibility is particularly relevant given anticipated increases to the NFL salary cap in 2025, potentially reaching between $277.5 million and $281.5 million, according to ESPN. This would make the Bengals one of the teams most impacted by the rising cap.
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