"Three-fifths of the Jets' starting secondary may not return next season, including safety Kerry Rhodes, as upgrading the unit is a top priority this offseason.

First, the Jets don't plan to pick up the $10 million roster bonus due cornerback Lito Sheppard in March and it's unlikely he'll return, according to a person with knowledge of the team's thinking who requested anonymity because he's not authorized to speak publicly.

Sheppard, a former two-time Pro Bowler with the Eagles, battled injuries all season and was benched for the Jets' 30-17 loss to the Colts on Sunday in the AFC Championship Game, playing sparingly in nickel and dime situations.

Sheppard, who was replaced by Dwight Lowery, finished with just one interception in 11 games this season. He cost the Jets a fourth-round pick.

Also, the person said the team is leaning toward releasing nickel back Donald Strickland, who can't seem to stay healthy. He injured his right hand last week before the AFC Championship Game against the Colts and then injured his groin in the first quarter. His loss was a huge blow to the Jets secondary.

Strickland played in just nine games this season, also having a quad injury and a concussion. "