The Pewter Plank
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Buccaneers’ Free Agent Decision Report: Russell Shepard

By Alan Schechter

October 23, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Russell Shepard (89) scores a touchdown against San Francisco 49ers cornerback Rashard Robinson (33) during the second quarter at Levi
October 23, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Russell Shepard (89) scores a touchdown against San Francisco 49ers cornerback Rashard Robinson (33) during the second quarter at Levi /
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Sep 18, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Russell Shepard (89) looks on against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals won 40-7. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Russell Shepard (89) looks on against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals won 40-7. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

Why Shepard Should Go

Although he did spend time as a captain, Shepard didn’t earn a great deal of trust from the offensive staff? How do I know this? Per Pro Football Focus, he was only on the field for 433 snaps, as opposed to Evans, who was on the line of scrimmage for 949 snaps. Why is this? Was he not looking so good in practice? The numbers weren’t bad, but there must be some reason he didn’t see the field all that often.

Maybe it is because the majority of his yardage came over three games. He put up 192 of his 341 yards in games against the 49ers, Chiefs, and Saints. That would leave Shepard with 12 catches for 149 yards if you take out those games. The rest of the season he did very little, or nothing. It could be that he just wasn’t open very often.

One could argue that it simply isn’t necessary to keep another mediocre wide receiver around, even if he is 26.

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