The Pewter Plank
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Buccaneers Free Agent Outlook Part I

By James Yarcho

Aug 26, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Vincent Jackson (83) works out prior to the game against the Cleveland Browns at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 26, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Vincent Jackson (83) works out prior to the game against the Cleveland Browns at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 27, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Russell Shepard (89) runs with the ball as Seattle Seahawks strong safety
Nov 27, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Russell Shepard (89) runs with the ball as Seattle Seahawks strong safety /

Russell Shepard – Wide Receiver/Special Teams

Another special teamer, but more than that, he’s the captain. A player that Dirk Koetter has been on record saying he just can’t get rid of, Shepard stepped up in big ways in 2016 as not only a special teams player, but as a receiver when the entire position group sans Mike Evans seemed to be injured at the same time.

Shepard finished with 23 receptions for 341 yards and two touchdowns in 2016, becoming one of Jameis Winston‘s favorite deep targets down the stretch. Despite missing two games with an injury, Shepard displayed his worth for this team in a big way.

Related Story: Should The Bucs Sign Russel Shepard?

The Buccaneers will go for receivers this off-season, but they aren’t going to be able to fill the entire corps in one off-season. Seeing as how the position was ignored last year and the impending departure of Vincent Jackson, Shepard will be a key piece for the offense in 2017.

He will likely remain the special teams captain barring some crazy move that makes him exclusive to receiving. At the end of the day, Shep is a must sign – and Jason Licht and Dirk Koetter know that.

Verdict: Re-Signed

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