Former Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Sterling Shepard is returning to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After signing a one-year contract with Tampa Bay last offseason to extend his NFL career, the veteran will be lacing it up for at least one more go in 2025 with the Buccaneers.
In June 2024, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers made a strategic move by signing veteran wide receiver Sterling Shepard to a one-year contract, reuniting him with his former University of Oklahoma teammate, quarterback Baker Mayfield. This reunion not only rekindled a prolific college connection but also aimed to bolster the Buccaneers’ offensive depth.
**College Chemistry at Oklahoma**
During the 2015 season at Oklahoma, Shepard and Mayfield showcased remarkable synergy on the field. Shepard recorded 86 receptions for 1,288 yards and 11 touchdowns, emerging as Mayfield’s go-to target. Their collaboration was instrumental in leading the Sooners to an 11-2 record and a berth in the College Football Playoff. A standout moment from that season was their comeback victory against Tennessee, where they overcame a 17-point deficit, with Mayfield connecting with Shepard for an 18-yard touchdown in double overtime. citeturn0search0
**Shepard’s NFL Journey**
Shepard entered the NFL in 2016 as a second-round pick by the New York Giants. Over eight seasons, he amassed 372 receptions, 4,095 yards, and 23 touchdowns, placing him fifth on the Giants’ all-time receptions list. Despite his early success, Shepard’s career was marred by injuries, including a torn Achilles in 2021 and a torn ACL in 2022, which limited his availability in subsequent seasons. citeturn0search0
**The Reunion in Tampa Bay**
The reunion between Shepard and Mayfield in Tampa Bay was initiated by a casual text exchange. Mayfield reached out to Shepard, inquiring about his physical condition and hinting at a potential collaboration. This conversation reignited Shepard’s passion for the game, leading to his signing with the Buccaneers. Shepard expressed his excitement, stating, “I get to be with my brother again.” citeturn0search1
**Impact on the Buccaneers’ Offense**
Shepard’s addition provided the Buccaneers with a versatile and experienced receiver capable of playing both the slot and outside positions. His presence aimed to complement Pro Bowlers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, offering Mayfield a familiar and reliable target. Mayfield, who had a career-best season in 2023 with 4,044 passing yards and 28 touchdowns, expressed enthusiasm about the reunion, noting that Shepard’s experience and versatility would be valuable assets to the team’s offense. citeturn0search2
**Looking Ahead**
As the 2024 NFL season approached, the Buccaneers aimed to defend their NFC South title and make a deeper playoff run. The reunion of Mayfield and Shepard was anticipated to add a new dynamic to the offense, potentially rekindling the chemistry that made them a formidable duo in college. Buccaneers fans and the broader NFL community watched with interest to see if this partnership would translate into on-field success and contribute to Tampa Bay’s quest for another Super Bowl appearance.
In summary, Sterling Shepard’s return to play alongside Baker Mayfield in Tampa Bay represented a full-circle moment for both athletes. Their shared history and mutual respect set the stage for a compelling narrative in the 2024 NFL season, with hopes that their renewed partnership would yield positive results for the Buccaneers’ offense.
