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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Jan 15, 2016; Tampa Bay, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneer general manager Jason Licht , co-chairman Edward Glazer , head coach Dirk Koetter, co-chairman Joel Glazer , co-chairman Bryan Glazer pose for a photo as they introduce Koetter as the new head coach at One Buccaneer Place Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 15, 2016; Tampa Bay, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneer general manager Jason Licht , co-chairman Edward Glazer , head coach Dirk Koetter, co-chairman Joel Glazer , co-chairman Bryan Glazer pose for a photo as they introduce Koetter as the new head coach at One Buccaneer Place Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

The Decision

There are arguments on both sides of the coin. Are we looking for quality or quantity as we head towards 2017?

On the one hand, Shepard put it some terrific individual performances. He did step up when others wouldn’t and became a viable option for Jameis Winston. He caught over half of his targets, and is only 26 years old. He shouldn’t command much money at this point in his career. They could do worse than keeping him around a bit longer.

But, he didn’t have a great season overall. His numbers were compressed into three performances. Without those, we wouldn’t have even noticed Shepard all that much. The depth chart already has mediocre receivers on it, they could stand to get rid of another mediocre receiver, right?

Next: Five Best Defensive Backs in Team History

There are weapons to be had in this category, no doubt. But to me, it’s always good to hang onto young players, at any position.

DECISION: RE-SIGN RUSSELL SHEPARD

Agree? Sound off in the comments.

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