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Sterling Shepard’s reunion with former Oklahoma teammate Baker Mayfield took a bittersweet turn Monday when the Buccaneers released the wide receiver as the team narrows its roster down to 53 players, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Shepard, a former second-round pick by the Giants, landed with Tampa Bay earlier this summer after Mayfield — whose career resurgence with the Bucs resulted in a three-year, $100 million contract extension in March — reached out to his friend and asked if he had more fuel in the tank.
The ex-Giants receiver, who battled injuries late in his New York tenure, tallied 10 receptions for 57 yards and a touchdown last year.
Despite the lack of a formal roster spot, Rapoport reported Monday the Buccaneers are holding a place on the practice squad for Shepard.
The No. 40 overall pick by the Giants in 2016, Shepard spent eight seasons in New York, where he recorded 372 receptions for 4,095 yards and 23 touchdowns. He bid farewell to the team after the 2023 regular season.
“Forever grateful to the New York Giants organization, past and present teammates, and the incredible fan base for their unwavering love and support over the past 8 years. New Jersey, my second home, will forever hold a special place in my heart. Thank you for embracing me with open arms and making me feel like family. Once a Giant, always a Giant!” he posted on Instagram in January.
Upon working out for the Buccaneers, Shepard said he “felt like my old self.”
“The workout went well and I was happy we were able to get something done,” Shepard told The Post in June when he agreed to a one-year deal.
The Buccaneers are building off a strong first year in the Mayfield era, in which they took the NFC South and reached the Divisional Round of the playoffs.
The former first-overall pick threw for career-highs in touchdowns (28) and yards (4,044) through 17 regular-season appearances with wideouts Mike Evans and Chris Godwin among the Bucs’ dangerous targets.
Tampa Bay hosts Washington in its season opener on Sept. 8.
