Shell attended the University of South Carolina, where he played college football. He made 47 consecutive starts for the Gamecocks. As a redshirt senior in 2015, Shell earned the start at left tackle for every game. In 2014 and 2013, Shell played every game at right tackle. In 2012 as a redshirt freshman, Shell started at left tackle before transitioning to right side. For the 2012 season he started 10 out of 13 games and earned Freshman All-Southeastern Conference honors and was named first-team Freshman All-American by FoxSportsNext.com.[2]
Coming out of college, Shell was projected by many analysts to be either a sixth or seventh round selection. He was ranked the 20th best offensive tackle out of the 108 available by NFLDraftScout.com.[3]
Shell was selected in the fifth round with the 158th overall pick by the New York Jets in the 2016 NFL draft.[5] On May 7, 2016, the Jets signed Shell to a four-year, $2.91 million rookie contract with a signing bonus of $551,133.[6]
Shell became a starter for the Jets in 2017, starting 12 games at right tackle, missing four games due to shoulder and neck injuries and a concussion.[7]
In 2018, Shell started the first 14 games at right tackle before suffering a knee injury in Week 15. He was placed on injured reserve on December 19, 2018.[8]
Seattle Seahawks
On March 24, 2020, Shell signed a two-year, $11 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks.[9] He was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list by the team on January 2, 2021,[10] and activated three days later.[11]
In the 2021 season, Shell started 10 games for the Seahawks before being placed on injured reserve with a shoulder injury.[12]
Miami Dolphins
On September 19, 2022, Shell signed with the practice squad of the Miami Dolphins.[13] He was elevated for Week 6 and started at right tackle. He was signed to the active roster on October 22.[14]
Buffalo Bills
On June 1, 2023, Shell signed with the Buffalo Bills.[15] He announced his retirement from the NFL on August 15, 2023.[16]
