You know how people always say a football team is like a family? Well, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers seem to have taken that idea to heart. There’s been a lot of buzz about their room lately. It’s not just about the fancy upgrades, but the vibe among the players. Not every day you hear someone talk about how special their team feels, but one of the Bucs’ veterans has been doing just that.
Yes, Baker Mayfield‘s go-to wide receiver, Sterling Shepard, is back with the Bucs this season. And he’s fired up, as he noted on his return, “I’m just super excited to be back as a part of this crew, and this group of guys, because I feel like we have something special coming, and we’ve just got to put it all the way together.” His return to the Bucs for another season highlights his belief in the team’s unique chemistry and potential. This decision wasn’t solely about familiarity with the system or ties to quarterback Mayfield. The locker room’s strong bond really had an impact on him— something he hasn’t felt anywhere else in his career.
“I’m just super excited to be back as a part of this crew, and this group of guys, because I feel like we have something special coming, and we’ve just got to put it all the way together.” -Sterling Shepard
More Quotes: https://t.co/SPWuZfErQm pic.twitter.com/c3JwEUz3PW
— Buccaneers Communications (@BuccaneersComms) March 19, 2025
He straight away said that the locker room was way better than he thought it would be last year. “Being a part of it last year, it was very encouraging to me, which is ultimately the reason I decided to come back just because of knowing the system and being in this system before,” Shepard remarked. After spending eight solid seasons with the NY Giants, Shepard joined the Buccaneers camp for the 2024 season. The Bucs offered him another 1 year, $2,500,000 contract for the 2025 season. And why not?
In his first season with the Bucs, Shepard had 32 receptions for 334 yards and 1 touchdown, a feat he achieved after failing in the last two seasons with the Giants. His familiarity with Offensive Coordinator Josh Grizzard is a total game-changer. It means that Shepard can just dive right into building chemistry with the team instead of having to learn everything from scratch.
Tampa Bay is buzzing with excitement, and it’s not just about Shepard. The team’s linebacker room got a boost with Anthony Walker Jr., who’s ready to make his mark. Walker brings tons of experience and solid coverage skills. Plus, he already has a connection with Mayfield from their time in Cleveland, making him a great addition to the roster. However, his move to the Big Guava hasn’t been all rainbows and rays of sunshine.
Anthony Walker Jr. claps back
Anthony Walker Jr.’s landing in Tampa Bay hasn’t been smooth. As soon as he signed a 1-year contract with the Buccaneers, he’s facing scrutiny over his performance stats. However, instead of backing down, Walker stood his ground and portrayed a more realistic picture. At his introductory press conference, he said, “I see all the stuff on social media and everything where people will be like ‘Oh, his PFF grade,’ and all that. I’m here to tell you, you can watch the film; the ball does not get completed in front of me or in the middle of the field.” Pretty confident, right?
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 08: Anthony Walker Jr. #6 of the Miami Dolphins is introduced prior to a game against the New York Jets at Hard Rock Stadium on December 08, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Sure, his PFF grades from last season weren’t great with an overall score of just 48.0 and a low pass-defense grade of 39.1. Undoubtedly, Walker had a slump from 2021 to 2023. Walker saw his 2022 cut short by a torn quad tendon that required season-ending surgery. His numbers improved in 2024, where he had 68 total tackles in 14 games, not best like his 2019 season with the Colts (124 total tackles) and 2021 season with the Browns (113 total tackles). But yes, it wasn’t worse than the 2023 season where he had a mere 44 tackles in 12 games.
Critics jumped on him for that, but he’s not letting those numbers get to him. Remember, back in 2022 with the Browns, he had a stellar coverage grade of 90, ranking second among the linebackers. So, it’s not all bad!
It’s wild how much PFF grades can change from season to season! Walker pointed this out himself, saying it’s often better to trust what you see on tape. With Mayfield and the Bucs gearing up for the coming season, both Shepard and Walker sound optimistic. That vibe can really boost the team’s performance and make a strong push for success in 2025.
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