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Since being selected in the second round of the 2016 draft, Sterling Shepard has played his entire career with the Giants, but injury issues have limited his effectiveness over the past few seasons.
In the final home game of the 2023-24 season, Shepard saluted the fans, seemingly in acknowledgement that his time with the franchise was coming to an end with his contract set to expire.
However, perhaps there is still mutual interest in him returning on a low-level deal.
So, should the Giants bring Shepard back?
Why Shepard should be back
Shepard’s first five seasons with the Giants were very solid. He averaged over 60 catches per season and almost 700 yards, while scoring 21 touchdowns. Injuries dramatically impacted his 2021 and 2022 seasons, although he was still productive whenever he did play. 2023 was a frustrating year for him, though. He remained healthy but barely saw action with multiple options ahead of him.
The final game of the year was Shepard’s most productive as he caught a season-high three passes, perhaps indicating that he might have something left in the tank. One year removed from his last significant injury, Shepard is only 30, so he may believe he is still capable of getting back to the level he showed previously.
The Giants will appreciate Shepard’s loyalty over the years and Shepard will have appreciation for the team having stuck with him through all his injury issues, so if there’s a situation where he could return on a cheap deal without any guarantees, perhaps both parties will entertain it. Shepard has indicated that he’d be keen to stay in the New York area if possible.
If he did return, Shepard’s veteran leadership would be valuable to a Giants team that drafted Jalin Hyatt and Wan’Dale Robinson in recent years and might look to draft another youngster in April. Robinson is starting to realize his potential, but Hyatt had an inconsistent first season.
Dec 11, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants wide receiver…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/stay-giants-sign-sterling-shepard-150222107.html
Author : SNY
Publish date : 2024-02-08 15:02:22
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