Another Jets’ D-Lineman Departs as Saints Sign Nathan Shepherd

Gang Green lost two unrestricted free agents from its defensive front last week

The New York Jets may be forced to address defensive line depth in the upcoming 2023 National Football League Draft.

Gang Green lost two pieces from its 2022 rotation last week.

After defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins signed with the Houston Texans, free agent Nathan Shepherd also found a new home.

On Friday, the New Orleans Saints officially announced that they agreed to terms with Shepherd. The three-year contract is worth $15 million according to ESPN's Rich Cimini.

Having played as an end and an interior lineman, Shepherd logged 73 career appearances (12 starts) with Gang Green.

The Canadian-born Shepherd, who was drafted by the Jets at No. 72 overall in 2018, played in all 34 games over the past two seasons. He has made 104 combined tackles, including 6.0 sacks, in five seasons as a pro.

DL Nathan Shepherd / Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

While Rankins and Shepherd no longer belong to the Jets' fleet, Gang Green was able to retain unrestricted free agent defensive tackle Solomon Thomas. He signed a one-year deal that will reportedly pay him $3.9 million per Tom Pelissero.

Meanwhile, NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported Rankins inked a one-year deal worth $10.5 million.

The Jets, who boasted the NFL's fourth-ranked total defense (311.1) last year, are set to pick at No. 13 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft (April 27-29). They have one selection in each of the first six rounds.

Clemson defensive tackle Bryan Bresee is a highly-rated prospect on the interior who could be available to the Jets. Iowa's Luke Van Ness and Clemson's Myles Murphy are first-round defensive end talents to watch.

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