Sterling Shepard’s reunion with former Oklahoma teammate Baker Mayfield took a bittersweet turn on Monday after the Buccaneers released the wide receiver as the team narrowed its roster to 53 players. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport,.
Shepard, a second-round draft pick by the Giants, was traded to Tampa Bay earlier this summer after Mayfield reached out to a friend and asked if he was still interested. Mayfield resurrected his career with the Buccaneers, signing a three-year, $100 million contract extension in March.
The former Giants wide receiver battled injuries later in his time with New York but still managed 10 receptions for 57 yards and a touchdown last year.
Despite not having an official roster spot, Rapoport reported Monday that the Buccaneers have reserved a spot on their practice squad for Shepard.
Shepard, the 40th overall pick by the Giants in 2016, recorded 372 receptions for 4,095 yards and 23 touchdowns in eight seasons in New York. He is due to part ways with the team after the 2023 regular season.
“I am forever grateful to the New York Giants organization, my teammates past and present, and all of our incredible fans for their unwavering love and support over the past eight years. My adopted home of New Jersey will always hold a special place in my heart. Thank you for accepting me with open arms and making me feel like family. Once a Giant, always a Giant!” he posted on Instagram in January.
“I felt like my old self again” while training with the Buccaneers, Sheppard said.
“Practice went well and I was happy to get something done,” Sheppard told The Post when he agreed to a one-year contract in June.
The Buccaneers had a strong season in Mayfield’s first year under the helm, winning the NFC South and advancing to the divisional round of the playoffs.
The former No. 1 overall pick played in 17 regular-season games and set career highs in touchdowns (28) and receiving yards (4,044) with wide receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin being dangerous targets for the Buccaneers.
Tampa Bay will host Washington in the season opener on Sept. 8.
