Sterling Shepard had an incredible reaction after signing with Buccaneers
By Ryan Heckman
![Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sterling Shepard Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sterling Shepard](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_4523,h_2544,x_0,y_146/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/GettyImages/mmsport/50/01hzqhy6dv8fx8m19f9h.jpg)
At this point in the offseason, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' roster is mostly set.
Going into the key period that is training camp, later this summer, the tail end of the 53-man roster will be rounded out as the tougher decisions are made. One of those position groups which might have seen a battle for the last spot on the depth chart was wide receiver.
However, that all likely changed on Thursday when the Bucs signed veteran wideout Sterling Shepard. Prior to Shepard signing, the Bucs may have seen one of Cephus Johnson, Raleigh Webb, Ryan Miller, among others, make the roster as the sixth wideout in Tampa.
But now that Shepard is on board, that position is looking pretty well covered.
Tampa's top six wide receivers are now Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Trey Palmer, rookie Jalen McMillan, Rakim Jarrett and Shepard.
Sterling Shepard warmed the hearts of Bucs fans with this reaction to signing with Tampa Bay
NFL Insider Josina Anderson spoke with Shepard after he agreed to terms with the Bucs.
Just got off the the phone with new #Bucs WR Sterling Shepard who's astounded by sudden change of events:
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) June 6, 2024
“It’s hard not to smile right now. I wasn’t expecting this. Three days ago Baker (Mayfield) texted me asking ‘how does your body feel?’ I said, ‘I feel great. How's the… pic.twitter.com/slr9GLMJjw
Shepard is clearly thrilled to have one more shot at extending his pro career, which began back in 2016 as a second-round pick out of Oklahoma:
“It’s hard not to smile right now. I wasn’t expecting this. Three days ago Baker (Mayfield) texted me asking ‘how does your body feel?’ I said, ‘I feel great. How's the baby?’ Baker said, ‘The baby is good.’ Then Baker asked me, ‘man, you think you got one more in you?’"
Later on in his conversation with Anderson, Shepard talked about how great it will be to reunite with Baker Mayfield, his college quarterback with the Sooners.
"I’m so happy right now. I get to be with my brother again," he said.
Over the last three seasons, injuries have hampered Shepard's availability and production. He's combined for just 59 receptions dating back to the start of the 2021 season. Last year, he caught a career-low 10 passes with the Giants.
If he's able to stay healthy and get through camp in good shape, Shepard should be able to make this team and have a shot at a playoff run with his guy, Baker. After hearing of his reaction and outlook on signing with the Bucs, fans can't help but root for this guy.
Here's to hoping Shepard can stay on the field, at full-strength, and help this Bucs team make a run in 2024.
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