Wide receiver Sterling Shepard has been a key contributor to the New York Giants since being drafted in 2016. But after seven seasons with the franchise, Shepard is heading toward free agency.
According to The Athletic’s Dan Duggan, when Shepard restructured his contract last season, a clause was added that would void his contract three days after the Super Bowl.
With Shepard a free agent, the Giants will carry $4.3 million in dead money into next season.
When healthy, Shepard was a consistent option. Over 75 regular-season games, he had 362 receptions for 4,038 yards and 22 touchdowns. But he has struggled with injuries throughout his career. Over his seven NFL seasons, he played a full season twice.
Over the past two seasons, Shepard played 10 games after suffering season-ending injuries in each.
In 2021, he went down with a torn Achilles after playing in seven games. After returning in 2022, Shepard suffered a torn ACL three games into the season.
Before going down in 2022, Shepard appeared headed toward a strong season. In three games, he had 13 receptions for 154 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown.
There’s a chance the Giants and Shepard, a fan favorite, could reunite. He’s 30, so the market for him will not be huge.
