Sterling Shepard

Career StatsF

Year	Team	GP	Rec	Yards	TD
Career		117	443	4,800	25
2025		13	39	371	1
2024		14	32	334	1
2023		15

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

This Sterling Shepard signing represents a fair, low-risk flyer that earns a C CVI for Tampa Bay, reflecting reasonable value for an unproven commodity at this stage of his career. The Buccaneers are paying modest money ($1.8M AAV) for a veteran receiver whose production tier has dropped to "unproven" status, likely due to recent injury concerns that have derailed what was once a promising career with the Giants. At 31 years old, Shepard is clearly past his prime window, but the minimal guaranteed money ($500K) gives Tampa Bay plenty of flexibility to cut bait if he can't contribute meaningfully in their receiver room. The one-year structure is perfectly calibrated for a prove-it scenario — if Shepard can recapture even a fraction of his previous form in Tampa's high-volume passing attack, this becomes a steal, but if his body continues to betray him, the financial exposure is negligible. For a Buccaneers team looking to add veteran depth behind Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, this signing checks all the boxes of smart roster construction without breaking the bank or creating long-term complications.

Performance Analysis

Sterling Shepard's F grade in Tampa Bay marks the sad conclusion of a career that was once filled with promise. Shepard was a reliable, high-volume receiver for the Giants during his best years, showing excellent route-running and toughness over the middle. But a series of devastating knee injuries robbed him of the quickness and explosiveness that made him effective. His F grade reflects a player who is physically unable to compete at the level he once did. The Buccaneers took a flier hoping for a veteran presence, but the body simply can't do what the mind remembers. Shepard's career is a painful reminder of how injuries can cut short even the most promising careers.