Green Bay Packers: 5 Budget free agents to target for 2021
By Joe Kipp
3. Sheldon Rankins, DT
Keeping with the theme of addressing the defense, the Packers would benefit greatly by giving nose tackle Kenny Clark some help in the middle of the defensive line. Clark is a monster at eating up blocks, but the only problem is the Packers don’t have any players capable of consistently winning 1-on-1 matchups while Clark is taking on double teams.
Defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins would be an excellent signing, and he likely wouldn’t come at an inflated cost. A former first-round pick of the New Orleans Saints in 2016, Rankins has seen an up and down career thus far. After a career year in 2018, Rankins has missed 10 games due to injury over the last two years.
Despite being an interior lineman, Rankins can be effective when rushing the passer. He notched eight sacks and 15 quarterback hits while rushing from the inside in 2018, some impressive numbers for a 305-pounder. The biggest question regarding Rankins is whether he can return to that 2018 form.
Because he’s been injured, he hasn’t been able to showcase his true ability. To a degree, that’s a reason he’ll likely come at a bargain price. A one-year deal makes sense for both him and the team signing him. If he balls out, Rankins will be able to cash in on a long-term deal the next year. If he fails to produce, the team that signed him doesn’t miss out on much.