The Tampa Bay Buccaneers bolstered their receiving corps by signing veteran wideout Sterling Shepard to a one-year deal worth 1.21 million. Shepard, a second-round pick by the New York Giants in 2016, brings a wealth of experience and reliability to a relatively young group of receivers behind the franchise’s two all-time leading receivers – Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.
The #Buccaneers have agreed to terms with veteran WR Sterling Shepard on a one-year deal, source says.
Following eight seasons with the #Giants, who drafted him in the second round in 2016, Shepard reunites with his former Oklahoma QB Baker Mayfield in Tampa. pic.twitter.com/ENUmPHSDUM
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) June 6, 2024
Shepard’s career stats are impressive: he has played in 90 NFL games, catching 372 passes for 4,095 yards and scoring 23 touchdowns. His addition to the Buccaneers roster provides a veteran presence that could prove invaluable as the team looks to make another deep playoff run in 2024. Notably, Shepard reunites with quarterback Baker Mayfield, his teammate from their college days at Oklahoma. In their final season together, Shepard had a standout year with 86 receptions for 1,288 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Shepard’s early years with the Giants were marked by consistent production. From 2016 to 2020, he recorded between 57 and 66 catches each season, amassing between 576 and 872 yards. His most productive season came in 2018 when he posted 66 receptions for 872 yards and four touchdowns. Injuries limited his playtime in the past few seasons, but he still managed to average 52 receiving yards per game over 2021 and 2022.
What Does Sterling Shepard Bring to Tampa Bay in 2024
For the Buccaneers, Shepard’s experience and skill set offer more than just depth; he provides a reliable target who can make crucial plays, especially in key moments. His familiarity with Mayfield’s playing style could also lead to a quick and effective on-field connection, enhancing Tampa Bay’s offensive options.
“It’s hard not to smile right now,” Shepard described to NFL reporter Josina Anderson. “I wasn’t expecting this. Three days ago Baker (Mayfield) texted me asking ‘how does your body feel?’ I said, ‘I feel great’… The rest is history.”
While youngsters like Jalen McMillan and Trey Palmer are poised to receive plenty of opportunities in this offense, Shepard is the only other proven producer on this roster that can play alongside Evans and Godwin in clutch situations. Sherpard’s versatility as an inside and outside receiver could help him find more play-time as well. He has the uncommon ability to contribute from multiple positions within any formation.
As Shepard joins the Buccaneers, fans and analysts alike will be watching to see how his presence impacts the team dynamics and performance. With a mix of seasoned veterans and promising young talent, the Buccaneers’ receiving unit is poised for an exciting season. Shepard’s signing is a strategic move that could pay significant dividends as Tampa Bay aims for more success in 2024.
