In the 2023 season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers finished 9-8, securing first place in the NFC South and earning a home playoff game. The Bucs faced the Philadelphia Eagles in the wildcard round and emerged victorious with a score of 32-9. However, they fell short against the Detroit Lions in the divisional round, losing 31-23.
During last season, Baker Mayfield had an impressive first year with the Buccaneers, posting career-high numbers. As a result, the team rewarded him with a three-year, $100 million contract extension to solidify him as their QB1. Today, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo revealed that the Bucs are adding one of Mayfield’s former college teammates to their roster. Sterling Shepard has signed a one-year deal with the Buccaneers after spending eight seasons with the Giants.
The Bucs Enhance Their WR Depth with Sterling Shepard Signing
The #Buccaneers have agreed to terms with veteran WR Sterling Shepard on a one-year deal, source says.
After 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
Selected with the 40th pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, Sterling Shepard joined the Giants from Oklahoma. While initially a reliable target on offense, injuries plagued two of his last three seasons, limiting his playing time to just 10 games in 2021 and 2022 combined. Many speculated that the 2023 season would be Shepard’s last in the NFL, particularly after receiving a farewell tribute in his final home game with the Giants. However, the 31-year-old receiver has opted to continue his career and has signed a one-year deal with the Buccaneers, reuniting with his former college teammate Baker Mayfield, whom he played alongside at Oklahoma in 2015.
Baker Mayfield and Sterling Shepard. Together again.
Congrats to Shep on his new deal in Tampa! pic.twitter.com/0Q2KyNlHFt
— The REF (@KREFsports) June 6, 2024
Shepard’s senior season at Oklahoma in 2015 saw him amass 88 catches for 1,288 yards and 11 receiving touchdowns, while Mayfield excelled as the starting quarterback, throwing for 3,700 yards, 36 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. Now, the duo is reunited with the Buccaneers, where Mayfield will be playing for his second NFL team, while Shepard transitions from his eight-year tenure with the Giants. Despite already having standout receivers like Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, Shepard adds valuable depth to the Bucs’ receiving corps, with the added benefit of his existing chemistry with Mayfield. It remains to be seen how Shepard will be utilized in the upcoming 2024 season.
