Report: Saints Sign DT Nathan Shepherd

New Orleans brings in a free-agent defensive tackle to help offset the losses of David Onyemata and Shy Tuttle.

Dianna Russini of ESPN reports that the New Orleans Saints are signing DT Nathan Shepherd on Wednesday. Shepherd, 29, has played all five of his NFL seasons with the New York Jets. 

After playing collegiately at Ft. Hays St., Shepherd was a third-round selection by the Jets in the 2018 NFL Draft. In five seasons, he has six sacks, 39 QB pressures, and 13 tackles for loss. He has 1.5 sacks, 7 pressures, and 4 tackles for loss among a career-high 33 total stops in 2022.

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) scrambles under pressure from New York Jets defensive tackle Nathan Shepherd (97). 

At 6'4" and 315-Lbs., Shepherd has shown equal effectiveness against the run and as a pass rusher. He missed seven games in 2019, but has missed only two contests in the other four years of his career. 

Shepherd's signing helps offset the loss of defensive tackles David Onyemata and Shy Tuttle in free agency. Tackles Kentavius Street and Malcolm Roach also remain unsigned. Shepherd would currently be the only tackle on the New Orleans roster under contract. 

Read More Saints News

• Saints Free Agency Update
• How Signing Derek Carr Affects Saints Draft Strategy
• Why Derek Carr Chose the Saints
• Derek Carr Signs With Saints
• Saints Buzz and Nuggets from the NFL Combine
• Dennis Allen Takeaways from the Scouting Combine
• Mickey Loomis Takeaways from the Scouting Combine
• Saints Announce Coaching Staff Additions
• Saints Nuggets and Notes from the Senior Bowl
• Important Offseason Dates for the Saints