NY Jets: 5 players who won't be back in the 2022 season

5. Nathan Shepherd, DT, NY Jets

Nathan Shepherd has spent the better part of the last half-decade serving as a quality rotational defensive lineman for the Jets.

A third-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Shepherd was handed a featured role early in his career, but it soon became apparent that he wasn't suited for starting duties.

Shepherd took a backseat role soon thereafter and has managed to stick around for the past four seasons. Through a suspension, injuries, and countless untimely penalties, Shepherd has managed to retain his roster spot.

But with his rookie contract set to expire at the end of the season, it seems unlikely that the Jets decide to bring him back.

Truth be told, the Jets already have an abundance of defensive tackle depth, and they also just so happen to have drafted his replacement this past May.

Rookie sixth-round pick Jonathan Marshall has been inactive most weeks, but he gives the Jets some pass-rushing upside at the 3-technique position.

The Jets also have the likes of Quinnen Williams, Sheldon Rankins, and Folorunso Fatukasi (pending an extension) on the team. There really isn't room for a 28-year-old backup defensive tackle that would need a new contract in the offseason.

Don't expect to see Nathan Shepherd back with the Jets next season.