Tampa Bay Buccaneers sign WR Sterling Shepard

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers added depth at receiver Thursday by signing Sterling Shepard, the one-time New York Giant and former Oklahoma Sooner.

The move reunites Shepard with Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield. The two played together in Norman for two seasons, with Shepard Mayfield’s top target in 2015. The Giants selected Shepard in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft.

Mike Garafolo of NFL Network first reported the news. He said that Shepard signed a one-year contract with the Buccaneers.

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

Newest Buccaneers receiver bid emotional farewell to Giants

Shepard was a popular player with the Giants. His 372 catches rank fifth in team history. And in his final game at MetLife Stadium, the Giants introduced him last in pre-game. The crowd gave him a loud ovation..

After that game, he bade farewell to NYC and the Meadowlands, along with Giants fans, posting on Instagram:

“Forever grateful to the New York Giants organization, past and present teammates, and the incredible fan base for their unwavering love and support over the past 8 years,” Shepard wrote in his post.

“New Jersey, my second home, will forever hold a special place in my heart. Thank you for embracing me with open arms and making me feel like family. Once a Giant, always a Giant!”

He did enjoy a brilliant career with the Giants. But he suffered an Achilles rupture and a torn ACL over the past three years. However, he was able to play in 10 games this season, but he caught only 15 passes with a touchdown.

Maybe he’ll find new life with the Buccaneers the same way Mayfield did. Mayfield was the top pick of the 2018 draft. But he lasted only four seasons with the Browns. He signed with the Panthers in 2022, then finished the season with the Rams.

Needing a quarterback after the Tom Brady retirement, the Buccaneers took a chance on Mayfield. He led the Bucs to their third straight NFC South title and he made his first career Pro Bowl.

The Buccaneers kept their best receiver in Mike Evans, who will start his 11th season in Tampa.