Sterling Shepard to the rescue? – The Bucs need to add an experienced pass catcher

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October 22, 2024

The Bucs need to add an experienced pass catcher

Tampa Bay is hurting at wide receiver. Chris Godwin (ankle) is out this year. Mike Evans tried to play through a hamstring injury on Monday night, suffered a more serious hamstring injury and could now be out for several weeks. It's a mess.

Cade Otton will certainly be involved. Last night he caught 8 passes for 100 yards. But they will also look for wide receiver production from reserves like Trey Palmer, Jalen McMillan and Sterling Shepard. The first two look better in the long run, with Shepard being a 31-year-old who hasn't played much in the last three years. But don't rule out Shepard being the best choice – the Godwin-like guy – this year.

Before injuries derailed things, Shepard was a very productive pass catcher for the Giants. In three of his four seasons as a full-time starter between 2017 and 2020, he averaged over 5 catches per game. During this period, a total of 52 players achieved this (at least 50 catches); only eight others managed it three times. (One of the 2-timers was Godwin.) Data from pro-football-reference.com used in compiling this table.

No one should waste the waiver budget on Shepard as he is getting quite long in the tooth. But the Bucs are a pass-first offense, and they have to throw it to someone. I like Shepard as a viable PPR player this week and in the future.

–Andy Richardson