Among the Bucks’ roster cuts over the past 24 hours, one of the most notable names coming out of this year’s camp is He was just released by Tampa Bay. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Buccaneers are waiving veteran wide receiver Sterling Shepard, who just joined the team during the summer’s mandatory minicamp.
of #Buccaneers The team waived veteran wide receiver Sterling Shepard, a source said, after the 31-year-old signed in hopes of rekindling his bond with former teammate Baker Mayfield.
And that could still happen: The team has a place for him to practice. pic.twitter.com/aZ31Gn5k47
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 26, 2024
Sterling Shepard’s Buccaneers deal timeline
Buccaneers WR Sterling Shepard – Photo by Cliff Welch P/R
Sterling Shepard signed with the Buccaneers in June because he attended mandatory minicamp and was still just starting to break in. Tampa Bay was looking for a veteran addition to their receiver corps and Shepard seemed like a great fit.
The biggest bonus and overall draw for Shepard coming to Tampa was his relationship with quarterback Baker Mayfield. The two were teammates for one season at Oklahoma, and it was Mayfield who called Shepard to convince him to try out for the Buccaneers over the summer.
As training camp progressed, Shepard was in the running for a roster spot along with other receivers. Mike Evans Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan. Unfortunately, Shepard was sidelined with a rib injury on Aug. 6 and didn’t return until Aug. 20, participating in a very limited capacity while wearing a non-contact jersey.
With Shepard sidelined for a few weeks, it allowed Trey Palmer to find his footing and become a top-four receiver, while also giving more opportunities to Cody Thompson and undrafted free agent Kameron Johnson, who were standouts at the position during training camp. Shepard missed the entire preseason with an injury.
Considering the team was planning to keep six receivers at most, it would have been tough for Shepard to make the active roster after missing nearly a month.
Putting Sterling Shepard on the practice squad makes sense.
Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield and WR Sterling Shepard – Photo: Cliff Welch/PR
The good news for Sterling Shepard is that Ian Rapoport said in a report that if he clears waivers, he could return to Tampa Bay as one of 16 practice squad players as the Buccaneers have a practice squad spot reserved for him. It always makes the most sense to have Shepard as a practice squad player rather than trying to stash a player like Kameron Johnson in that area when another team could sign him at any time.
Additionally, Johnson and Cody Thompson play special teams, Johnson as a kick returner and Thompson in coverage, and Shepard is not involved in that part of the game.
By keeping Johnson On the roster The Buccaneers ensured that the promising, energetic rookie receiver will remain in Tampa Bay. Shepard is 31 and has been injured frequently in recent years, but he only signed in June and isn’t particularly marketable. A spot on the practice squad would allow him to provide a veteran presence and mentorship for a young group, and he could be a fresh face if called up to the active roster.
Remember, Shepard tore his ACL in 2022 and saw his production drop off significantly last season before returning with the Giants in 2023. With Shepard already battling an undisclosed injury heading into the 2024 season, limiting his usage may be in the best interest of all involved. It remains to be seen whether Shepard will be needed, but keeping him on the team without taking up a roster spot would be a good thing.
Baker Mayfield has some familiar faces, and the Buccaneers have the best receivers in a younger corps with rookies like Johnson and Jalen McMillan. Shepard will stay in the NFL and have a chance to help out in spots while also saving his body for when he needs to, much like veteran David Moore did late last year. With injuries occurring every week in the NFL, Tampa Bay knows firsthand how important depth is at every position.
