The Bucs have signed veteran broad receiver Sterling Shepard to a one-year deal, per Mike Garafolo of the NFL Community. Tampa Bay continues so as to add depth at this place after signing Cody Thompson the night time earlier than.
The #Buccaneers have agreed to phrases with veteran WR Sterling Shepard on a one-year deal, supply says.
Following eight seasons with the #Giants, who drafted him within the second spherical in 2016, Shepard reunites together with his former Oklahoma QB Baker Mayfield in Tampa. pic.twitter.com/ENUmPHSDUM
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) June 6, 2024
Shepard is an eight-year veteran having performed his complete profession with the New York Giants. He has performed in 90 profession video games, making 372 catches for 4,095 yards and 23 touchdowns. He had a profession finest eight touchdowns as a rookie in 2016. Shepard’s general finest season got here in 2018 when he recorded 66 receptions for 872 yards and 4 touchdowns. He additionally has some playoff expertise, taking part in in three video games.
Shepard Reunites With Oklahoma Teammate Baker Mayfield
Bucs WR Sterling Shepard – Picture by: USA As we speak
There’s a connection between Shepard and quarterback Baker Mayfield as they have been teammates on the College of Oklahoma. Shepard performed for the Sooners from 2012 to 2015 whereas Mayfield was there from 2014 to 2017. Since Mayfield was ineligible to play after transferring in 2014, the one performed one season collectively in 2015, two years earlier than Mayfield received the Heisman.
Shepard was a two-time first workforce All-Massive 12 in 2014 and 2015, getting that accolade in a single season with Mayfield. That they had an ideal yr collectively because the duo teamed up for 86 catches, 1,288 yards and 11 touchdowns from Shepard. Mayfield threw for 3,700 and 36 touchdowns, so Shepard was liable for a giant portion of that manufacturing.
Oklahoma went 11-2 that season, successful the Massive 12 Championship however shedding to Clemson within the Orange Bowl.
The place Sterling Shepard Suits On The Bucs
Bucs WR Sterling Shepard – Picture by: USA As we speak
This can be a low danger, excessive reward for the Bucs with this transfer. Shepard brings a veteran presence to the broad receiver room exterior of Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. He’s probably the most achieved out of everybody else competing for a roster spot and has extra manufacturing to his resume than different veteran receivers which were introduced in by Tampa Bay in years previous.
Having a relationship and being former teammates with Baker Mayfield is an added bonus. It’s at all times good to maintain the quarterback completely satisfied and he received’t thoughts having a well-recognized face round. There received’t be many expectations for Shepard and this workforce, neither is he even a assure to to make it.
Shepard has had a stable profession, however his manufacturing was severely restricted final season as he 10 receptions for 57 yards and a landing. This might have been as a result of he tore his ACL the season earlier than after simply three video games and getting absolutely acclimated didn’t come as quick as others. Coming to Tampa Bay and reuniting with Mayfield is perhaps the way in which to revive some additional juice that he has remaining.
There are at the very least 4 receivers forward on the depth chart, so Shepard is competing with a number of receivers for one or two spots. However his expertise brings some worth and the place the Bucs might discover a spot for him.
