The Saints did the wise thing and picked up the 5th year option on defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins, according to a league source.
The Saints selected Rankins 12th overall in the 2016 NFL Draft.
Rankins is coming off his best season with a career high 8 sacks, and 12 tackles for a loss.
The former first round pick tore his Achilles tendon in the first quarter of the divisional playoff game against the Eagles, and is expected to start this season onPUP (Physically Unable to Perform).
Rankins was a key player up front last season, and he will be counted on heavily once he returns from his injury.




