pretty surprised with this after the Tate signing. We'll see what the gtd is but feels like an appropriate deal.
I dont see it that way....Tate and Shephard is very similar to Welker/Edelman or Edelman Amendola. Slot or not,both guys get open and are fun when they get the ball.
lol...but in all seriousness he's a good solid player and a good blocking WR so solid signing. it's just that Eli has never been able to throw to short WR's...so more reason to move on from Eli sooner rather than later.
pretty surprised with this after the Tate signing. We'll see what the gtd is but feels like an appropriate deal.
I dont see it that way....Tate and Shephard is very similar to Welker/Edelman or Edelman Amendola. Slot or not,both guys get open and are fun when they get the ball.
This must be Joey's good news.
Great downfield blocker for Saquon. Got open in some key spots underneath. Does yeoman work. Good slot reciever. Can occasionally get open downfield. Generally very high character kid who got influenced by OBJ at times.
Though I doubt he is traded, this contract does potentially increase his trade value as he is now locked up for 4 years at a pretty good market price.
Engram,Tate,Shep, and Barkley is not a bad group of Wideouts. Has the look of a nice collection where the sum is greater than the parts.
Even though I really see him as inconsistent. Some games hell go out and make tough catches and get over a 100 yards, while other days hes invisible and dropping balls. But he is a great blocker and tough.
though jt seemed to hint that Sterling was going to get traded. Something changed?
Perhaps he spoke to Coach or DG and stated his desire to be a NYG long term. Believe it or not, the Giants do listen to guys they think are sincere and come to work everyday.
We lost a bunch of good players because Reese had a revolving door...let a 2nd round-drafted DT go, draft another in the second, let him go, rinse and repeat.
though jt seemed to hint that Sterling was going to get traded. Something changed?
I don't think jt actually specified that Sterling was going to be traded. At the time, there was speculation that Shep could be traded to the Pats. Jt had said that a trade could still happen and that some players should rent not buy. Shep was the logical target as he was entering the last year of his contract and Tate made him redundant. I have speculated that Engram could be traded as he is the only one left that has value. Engram is a good receiver. But he is strictly one dimensional as he can't block despite the effort. For a run-first offense, Engram doesn't serve that priority.
Also -- if you look at his target rate and project it goes up without Beckham -- over 16 games he's easily over 1K yards.
It's been a while since the Giants didn't have "the guy" at WR. I'd say it's been since 2009 -- that year Steve Smith in his third year went for 1200 yards as Manning's slot security blanket.
I think what's evolving is Shurmur is going to the McDaniels' offense in New England last year. An abundance of underneath routes that compliments a steady diet of running.
So Eli will play the role of Brady. But I don't think this type of offense is his strength at all. I trust him less and less to make the right read.
But you still need a deep threat to keep the defense honest. Which makes me fear the idea they strongly consider Metcalf at #17. And boy will that be a remote thrower...
going forward. Obviously he's got more prime left because he's younger, but he is not on the same level as Tate who got a very similar amount of money. Since signing Tate I have wondered if Shurmur sees the 2 of them as interchangeable pieces like Thelen/Diggs. I guess this answers that...
though jt seemed to hint that Sterling was going to get traded. Something changed?
I don't think jt actually specified that Sterling was going to be traded. At the time, there was speculation that Shep could be traded to the Pats. Jt had said that a trade could still happen and that some players should rent not buy. Shep was the logical target as he was entering the last year of his contract and Tate made him redundant. I have speculated that Engram could be traded as he is the only one left that has value. Engram is a good receiver. But he is strictly one dimensional as he can't block despite the effort. For a run-first offense, Engram doesn't serve that priority.
Run-first offense doesn't mean run-only. Once you start building your offense around one thing, you become easy to defend. A balanced offense serves the run game, just like the run game allows for a pass attack. Just adding Tate doesn't make up for the fact that they lost a lot of ability to threaten teams with the pass. Instead of trading an impactful playmaker on a cheap deal, it would be wiser to just make use of his strengths.
a lot of money for a WR who can't stretch the field at all.
At all is an overstatement. He's not Randy Moss but he's also not Derek Hagan. He's had 4-5 50 yard plays the past couple years. And he's mostly been worked underneath. They must think he's got some untapped upside as his targets will likely increase this year.
I think what's evolving is Shurmur is going to the McDaniels' offense in New England last year. An abundance of underneath routes that compliments a steady diet of running.
So Eli will play the role of Brady. But I don't think this type of offense is his strength at all. I trust him less and less to make the right read.
But you still need a deep threat to keep the defense honest. Which makes me fear the idea they strongly consider Metcalf at #17. And boy will that be a remote thrower...
Over the years Giants have stressed route running pretty high on the list. That puts AJ Brown likely at the top. Butler is underrated there. Parris is a bit of an unknown.
Mike Garafolo
Verified account @MikeGarafolo
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There was some talk the #Patriots would have interest in trading for Sterling Shepard, with @MikeReiss mentioning that in print last month. But obviously thats not happening. The #Giants value Shepard, who wouldve been a free agent next spring.
a lot of money for a WR who can't stretch the field at all.
This is my question. When we signed Tate it seemed to me Shepard would either be traded or possibly shifted outside where he can be involved in deeper passing routes. It will be interesting.
Not only because signing Tate seemed to make him redundant, but because he seemed close with Beckham and I assumed that may have marked him as a guy they could let go.
He has talent, and as many have pointed out his downfield blocking is excellent. Don't hate it and don't love it.
here. I get it most here recently have trashed Odell going out the door and now what to fondly speak on Sterling Shepard like this is anything more than a middling move. He is a receiver who while having a good game here or there has not reached the expectations he had coming out of OU. In fact he was looking like a replaceable part before Obj was traded.
He has had health concerns every year and now we just gave him a contract before it was necessary. Yeah, great he blocks well.... you dont pay wide outs to block well. DG continues to make moves that make you scratch your head. Maybe you guys can put some pointers towards this move that makes it look better than it does but for me this doesnt move the needle at all.
I'd agree this is his current market value if he were a FA, but that's why I think it would seem to indicate the Giants think his arrow is pointed up. Or else they could have waited. It's basically the same deal Humphries and Tyrell Johnson took and less than what Jamison Crowder and Cole Beasley took. Tate too but he's obviously older.
All are comparable, except for the fact that the Giants chose to sign Shepard a year out, which they would only do if they felt they were getting some level of discount.
In Adam Thielen's 4th year he took a leap from 69 receptions/900 yards to 91 receptions/1200 yards. I wonder if Shurmur sees something similar possible with Shepard in an offense that spreads the football around more.
when asked about wr corps made it clear Shep was his fave - all about football. "Football playin Jesse"
on a side note - someone mentioned Shep helping Barkley downfield - all the wrs are "willing blockers'. Remember Odell taking on two seperate DBs on one run.
This is a really good move for the Giants and Shep. Maybe he would've gotten more $ if he tested FA market, maybe he would have caught the Steve Smithinjur jinx.
I would go projecting how many yards he'll have just yet. If everything goess right - they fix RT spot, which improves running game, making play action work better. and they will probably spread ball aournd more.
Another rb in the draft would be great too. would love to get Barkley's stable mate.
fans may be expecting him to fill Odell's shoes. Odell was a rare talent, so, that ain't even gonna close to happening. Still can have great production.
Wondering if not having the "obvious "1st read" does that help all the wrs and Eli out.
a lot of money for a WR who can't stretch the field at all.
Its not a bad deal at all. Hes a real solid player, and he showed some ability to get behind DBs late last year. But yes, generally he is going to excel as a slot guy. And that makes the Tate signing extremely questionable now. I dont care what type of offense you plan on running.
here. I get it most here recently have trashed Odell going out the door and now what to fondly speak on Sterling Shepard like this is anything more than a middling move. He is a receiver who while having a good game here or there has not reached the expectations he had coming out of OU. In fact he was looking like a replaceable part before Obj was traded.
He has had health concerns every year and now we just gave him a contract before it was necessary. Yeah, great he blocks well.... you dont pay wide outs to block well. DG continues to make moves that make you scratch your head. Maybe you guys can put some pointers towards this move that makes it look better than it does but for me this doesnt move the needle at all.
I don't know what expectations you may be referring to. He was never sold as a #1 receiver. His ceiling was always as a slot/possession/receiver.
I'd agree this is his current market value if he were a FA, but that's why I think it would seem to indicate the Giants think his arrow is pointed up. Or else they could have waited. It's basically the same deal Humphries and Tyrell Johnson took and less than what Jamison Crowder and Cole Beasley took. Tate too but he's obviously older.
All are comparable, except for the fact that the Giants chose to sign Shepard a year out, which they would only do if they felt they were getting some level of discount.
In Adam Thielen's 4th year he took a leap from 69 receptions/900 yards to 91 receptions/1200 yards. I wonder if Shurmur sees something similar possible with Shepard in an offense that spreads the football around more.
Right, if you assume his role is going to grow a bit now and that his arrow is still pointing up (it should be... he's coming off his best year), he'd only be more expensive next year.
The market certainly isn't going to drop in the interim.
It's basically mild cost control and depending on how they structured it, could provide additional flexibility.
here. I get it most here recently have trashed Odell going out the door and now what to fondly speak on Sterling Shepard like this is anything more than a middling move. He is a receiver who while having a good game here or there has not reached the expectations he had coming out of OU. In fact he was looking like a replaceable part before Obj was traded.
He has had health concerns every year and now we just gave him a contract before it was necessary. Yeah, great he blocks well.... you dont pay wide outs to block well. DG continues to make moves that make you scratch your head. Maybe you guys can put some pointers towards this move that makes it look better than it does but for me this doesnt move the needle at all.
He's started 16 games 2/3 years he's been here. He had mathematically the same target to catch percentage Beckham did last year.
If Shepard is targeted one more time per game at his 2018 catch percentage and YPC he projects to 1017 yards.
This is about project value based on reasonable growth.
Even though I really see him as inconsistent. Some games hell go out and make tough catches and get over a 100 yards, while other days hes invisible and dropping balls. But he is a great blocker and tough.
That was my point... He is better (and worth more) than Crowder and Humphries, and that is what he got.
a lot of money for a WR who can't stretch the field at all.
That's my feeling as well. Just a really limited receiver now locked into a starting role. An inexpensive contract for a guy who limits your potential through the air isn't a good trade off.
Right, if you assume his role is going to grow a bit now and that his arrow is still pointing up (it should be... he's coming off his best year), he'd only be more expensive next year.
The market certainly isn't going to drop in the interim.
It's basically mild cost control and depending on how they structured it, could provide additional flexibility.
Yup. Also starts the clock on guaranteed money (and roster inflexibility) earlier. 1 year less risky on the back end. And probably sends some good vibes through the lockerroom. I'm not the biggest Shep fan, I actually like Crowder a little bit more, but it's a fair deal and i'm curious to see what happens in a bigger role and out of Odell's shadow. I trust Shurmur's ability to run an effective offense so if he thinks Shepard can be part of it I can have faith in that.
Ha ha, that was the first thing I thought when I saw the thread title having read the RUSSELL thread earlier! Initial thought was --OMG this will be THE meltdown of all time if true!!!!!!!!
to see this, seems likable and works hard. He flashes the ability they were talking up when he was drafted, team must think his arrow is still pointing up and will get more opportunities with OBJ gone. Hopefully it is, both him and Engram improved as the year went on. Another solid receiving threat in the draft would be nice.
here. I get it most here recently have trashed Odell going out the door and now what to fondly speak on Sterling Shepard like this is anything more than a middling move. He is a receiver who while having a good game here or there has not reached the expectations he had coming out of OU. In fact he was looking like a replaceable part before Obj was traded.
He has had health concerns every year and now we just gave him a contract before it was necessary. Yeah, great he blocks well.... you dont pay wide outs to block well. DG continues to make moves that make you scratch your head. Maybe you guys can put some pointers towards this move that makes it look better than it does but for me this doesnt move the needle at all.
I don't know what expectations you may be referring to. He was never sold as a #1 receiver. His ceiling was always as a slot/possession/receiver.
Agree TTH. This is what I expected of him. I believe they got very good value for him. It's a good signing. I guess if DG won a super bowl, some of these posters will still continue to hate him just, because he proved them wrong.
a lot of money for a WR who can't stretch the field at all.
That's my feeling as well. Just a really limited receiver now locked into a starting role. An inexpensive contract for a guy who limits your potential through the air isn't a good trade off.
WTF - He's always been a starter. He has intangibles, and if we become a contender again, his blocking for Saquon, and being able to move the chains, will play a pivotal role.
though jt seemed to hint that Sterling was going to get traded. Something changed?
No. We had to sign him first before trading him. Haha
Really? I thought that any reason to trade Sterling was his value vs. cost. IMO, he's a decent, young WR and likely worth that contract. It seems to me that trading a solid, young WR would be foolish unless they had a replacement/upgrade at a bargain price.
If they do end up trading him, it will likely be because of a perceived connection to a so-called bad influence.
We're talking about a guy who has never had a 900-yard season. I personally think Shepard has been a disappointment. I expected more out of him in 2017 and 2018. I hope he becomes a more productive player.
its a 4 yr 41 mil extension on top of the 1 yr 1.2 mil he had left on his deal, so gotta see how the numbers work out but its essentially 5 yr 42.3 mil contract w/ 21 mil guaranteed
Not an enormous sample size. What stands out, if anything, is that he was catching the ball deeper down the field in Shurmur's offense than he was in McAdoo's. I think this is where his future could be.
Average Targeted Air Yards
'16: 9.3
'17: 8.8
'18: 10.4
its a 4 yr 41 mil extension on top of the 1 yr 1.2 mil he had left on his deal, so gotta see how the numbers work out but its essentially 5 yr 42.3 mil contract w/ 21 mil guaranteed
Is this true? Or did we rip up the 1 year 1.2 mil and replace it with the 4 year deal?
We're talking about a guy who has never had a 900-yard season. I personally think Shepard has been a disappointment. I expected more out of him in 2017 and 2018. I hope he becomes a more productive player.
.
I would probably agree, they could have waited until this year was up, what's the hurry?
next year for a lot of the guaranteed money when they have an excess of cap room. That's a really strong deal even if he doesn't improve much. If he does improve, even if just from a higher volume of targets, it's a very good deal.
its a 4 yr 41 mil extension on top of the 1 yr 1.2 mil he had left on his deal, so gotta see how the numbers work out but its essentially 5 yr 42.3 mil contract w/ 21 mil guaranteed
Is this true? Or did we rip up the 1 year 1.2 mil and replace it with the 4 year deal?
Steve is correct. The final numbers haven't been posted, but you can see his prior contract and the new one here.
its a 4 yr 41 mil extension on top of the 1 yr 1.2 mil he had left on his deal, so gotta see how the numbers work out but its essentially 5 yr 42.3 mil contract w/ 21 mil guaranteed
However, hes dropped some critical passes last few years. He needs to get a little better at concentrating and ensuring he makes the catch first. I do think hes a nice guy to have in your receiving corps.
i just don't think he is worth this kind of money and is easily replaced. i think this is a bad move by the organization. he is the prime example of a guy you let leave and let someone else overpay
Shepard has been somewhat of a disappointment. Gets jammed easily at the LOS and drops Alot of passes. It's all we have but a 4 year extension, really?
i just don't think he is worth this kind of money and is easily replaced. i think this is a bad move by the organization. he is the prime example of a guy you let leave and let someone else overpay
I'm not saying it was the wrong move. I'm just not sure it was the right move. We'll see.
Sterling Shepard is one of those guys who I thought would be better than he has been. I expected more of him. If he comes on, this is a good deal.
i just don't think he is worth this kind of money and is easily replaced. i think this is a bad move by the organization. he is the prime example of a guy you let leave and let someone else overpay
just out of curiosity, which non-rookie scale WR still in their prime has a better value of a contract? How attainable is that player attainable?
I don't think Shepard is an amazing player and I'd even agree he's been somewhat of a disappointment - but he's getting paid like a middle of the road starter, which is what he is, in a team friendly structure. And he may yet have some upside. He has played well when Beckham was out. Davante Adams was a disappointment posting Shepard-esque numbers for four years. Then in year 5 his targets went up by ~40% and he wasn't a disappointment anymore. His YPC remained the same at 12.5.
Shepard has been somewhat of a disappointment. Gets jammed easily at the LOS and drops Alot of passes. It's all we have but a 4 year extension, really?
Need to actually let it play out. Its reasonable to assume he will improve with less distractions, an emphasis on the run game, and a better work ethic as a whole for the WR corps.
Where do you guys think you are finding better WRs for less money? The guarantees money is low, this is a good deal.
At some point you need to ensure you have some continuity. This will look like a bargain a year from now. He is still very young. Building a core group of players, very happy for him and for us.
It shows the other players that if you work hard, show improvement and consistency, and are a positive person in the locker room, you are part of the solution and will be rewarded.
I would just feel better if we had a true #1. With that I would have no problem with Tate and Shepard. I guess we will see what happens in the draft but I don't think focus will be on a wr until mid-late rounds.
i just don't think he is worth this kind of money and is easily replaced. i think this is a bad move by the organization. he is the prime example of a guy you let leave and let someone else overpay
I'm not saying it was the wrong move. I'm just not sure it was the right move. We'll see.
Sterling Shepard is one of those guys who I thought would be better than he has been. I expected more of him. If he comes on, this is a good deal.
Eric, I think his value is downfield blocking. He's a mediocre WR. But when you are going to make SB the main focus of your offense, you absolutely value a WR like SS opening lanes for SB downfield. I would equate him to Hines Ward lite.
A good player, a player that is concerned about winning, not concerned about Green jackets, and what he should say to hi9s tremendous following. Too bad that Beckham turned out to be all about me, don't see those type teams with those type players winning any championships, with all the change bullshit talk, it is still the old fashioned run Patriots winning almost every year. The old fashioned run Eagles, the old fashioned run Seahawks, and the old fashion run Giants. When I see the new wave win 1 time, then I will admit it has a little merit.
This and call me on it if Im wrong, but 11 months from now well be watching what the next FA batch of receivers are getting and feel like we got a great deal with Shepard. Kid plays his butt off every week, good for him for getting paid.
i just don't think he is worth this kind of money and is easily replaced. i think this is a bad move by the organization. he is the prime example of a guy you let leave and let someone else overpay
I'm not saying it was the wrong move. I'm just not sure it was the right move. We'll see.
Sterling Shepard is one of those guys who I thought would be better than he has been. I expected more of him. If he comes on, this is a good deal.
I absolutely think with the trade of OBJ, we will continue to see Sterling tick upwards.
I would just feel better if we had a true #1. With that I would have no problem with Tate and Shepard. I guess we will see what happens in the draft but I don't think focus will be on a wr until mid-late rounds.
Thats got nothing to do with this deal though. Most #1 WRs are drafted or traded for, not signed as FAs so Im not sure what the expectations are here.
The giants are committing to the run game (where Shepard does well) and will use that to open up the short and intermediate passing game (think Pats). Shepard is perfect for that kind of offense.
A good player, a player that is concerned about winning, not concerned about Green jackets, and what he should say to hi9s tremendous following. Too bad that Beckham turned out to be all about me, don't see those type teams with those type players winning any championships, with all the change bullshit talk, it is still the old fashioned run Patriots winning almost every year. The old fashioned run Eagles, the old fashioned run Seahawks, and the old fashion run Giants. When I see the new wave win 1 time, then I will admit it has a little merit.
i just don't think he is worth this kind of money and is easily replaced. i think this is a bad move by the organization. he is the prime example of a guy you let leave and let someone else overpay
I'm not saying it was the wrong move. I'm just not sure it was the right move. We'll see.
Sterling Shepard is one of those guys who I thought would be better than he has been. I expected more of him. If he comes on, this is a good deal.
Eric, I think his value is downfield blocking. He's a mediocre WR. But when you are going to make SB the main focus of your offense, you absolutely value a WR like SS opening lanes for SB downfield. I would equate him to Hines Ward lite.
8.5M for a mediocre receiver with outstanding blocking skills? After you sign a similar player in Tate? I dont get it. Sterling is short, moderate speed, moderate quickness and average hands. Doesnt make a lot of big plays. Scares nobody.
Im trying to keep the faith with DG but hes making it hard.
Saying Shep never got a 900 yard season is misleading.
He averaged 66.5 ypg in 2017. That's a 1000 yard season in 16 games. He only played 11. That's a big reason why his numbers might not have jumped out at you two years ago. But, let's be fair.
That Gettleman is clearing out anyone who was a Reese pick or signing. This signing is consistent with the type of player that Gettleman wants on the team. We already saw him, Barkley and Eli working together. I really liked odel and all but there may be some addition by subtraction for Engram and Shepattitude and numbers.
They signed Tate to play Z in place of Beckham. There was still a need for a primary slot guy. Shep is a top slot receiver in the league. People calling him mediocre don't know what mediocre means or they don't watch football.
Okay deal. Shepard does a bunch of good things although
would like to see him keep his feet underneath him more after the catch (like he did moreso in college). I saw some improvement in that facet in 2018 so maybe it continues to get better.
Still don't get the Shepard AND Tate concept...
RE: Okay deal. Shepard does a bunch of good things although
would like to see him keep his feet underneath him more after the catch (like he did moreso in college). I saw some improvement in that facet in 2018 so maybe it continues to get better.
Still don't get the Shepard AND Tate concept...
I actually do. And I think it has merit.
Its like the Pats when they simultaneously used Amendola and Edelman. Im getting the sense Shurmur is going to replicate the McDaniels offense...
They signed Tate to play Z in place of Beckham. There was still a need for a primary slot guy. Shep is a top slot receiver in the league. People calling him mediocre don't know what mediocre means or they don't watch football.
6 touchdowns over the last 2 years. Less than 900 yards in his best season, good for 31st in the league I would call that mediocre. Would have preferred a guy who stretched the field and/or is a red zone threat
Does this signal a big wideout at 17 or 27? Or Hock at 6 or 17? Have to think theres a bigger plan.
Pats inquired about him. For the record the Giants weren't thrilled with his Beckham friendship. I never said he'd be traded but it was on the table
thanks for clarifying jt. And I know you didn't guarantee that he would be dealt, so I'm curious what the Pats offered. My guess would be a 3rd or 4th for him and the Giants didn't bite. I don't actually have a problem with Shepard, but as others have said, he's not going to stretch the field. It almost feels like a return to the 90s when the Giants would build around a RB (Hampton) and had a bunch of possession receivers masquerading as #1s (think Chris Calloway).
They signed Tate to play Z in place of Beckham. There was still a need for a primary slot guy. Shep is a top slot receiver in the league. People calling him mediocre don't know what mediocre means or they don't watch football.
6 touchdowns over the last 2 years. Less than 900 yards in his best season, good for 31st in the league I would call that mediocre. Would have preferred a guy who stretched the field and/or is a red zone threat
Does this signal a big wideout at 17 or 27? Or Hock at 6 or 17? Have to think theres a bigger plan.
Like I said, you don't know what mediocre means.
And yes, we still have holes on this team, shockingly.
I get the point and until this season I was non plussed with Shep. He's going into year 4 which is a lot of times the jump for a WR. Adam Thielen came alive in year 4 and Julian Edelman did nothing until year 5. With a better OL, solid running game and an offensive minded coach I think you should see him much closer to if not at 1,000 yards this year. If he's used properly he has the skill set to really do well. If he doesn't this year then it's likely a bad contract.
I get the point and until this season I was non plussed with Shep. He's going into year 4 which is a lot of times the jump for a WR. Adam Thielen came alive in year 4 and Julian Edelman did nothing until year 5. With a better OL, solid running game and an offensive minded coach I think you should see him much closer to if not at 1,000 yards this year. If he's used properly he has the skill set to really do well. If he doesn't this year then it's likely a bad contract.
I really don't mind this contract, and I am pretty skeptical of this front office. When you look at the deals given to slot WRs inferior (IMO) to Shepard, this money lines up well. I think this is more of an indictment on the deal given to Tate, who at this point in his career also needs to be more of a slot guy. The metrics show that Shepard is far more effective in the slot than outside.
Shepard will also improve once we get a new QB, unless we let Eli play until he's 47, in which case Shepard will probably no longer be here.
I really like Shepard, and I think he has the chance to be very good moving forward. I just don't love the idea of pairing him with Tate. For those of you pining for Michael Thomas, stop. He was never going to hit FA. The Saints would have franchised him long before that happened.
If your expectation is that Shepard should be our #1 receiver, I could see why you'd view him as mediocre.
As a #2 receiver, there's no question he's a really good one.
In this market its a fair deal, comparable to what very similar players in Humphreys and crowder received. But I thought those guys were overpaid while guys like Funchess were grossly overpaid. However, with a slot receiver on the field a majority of downs, its where the league is heading.
They signed Tate to play Z in place of Beckham. There was still a need for a primary slot guy. Shep is a top slot receiver in the league. People calling him mediocre don't know what mediocre means or they don't watch football.
6 touchdowns over the last 2 years. Less than 900 yards in his best season, good for 31st in the league
Your expectations are unrealistic for a secondary option on a team that could barely run a competent offense because of serious roster problems.
To Erics point though. He expected more from Shep from being known as top 5 WR in his draft class arguably as compared to undrafted free agents like Edelman and thielan.
Im somewhat disappointed with Shep career so far but see his contract as fair value. Hope he continues to grow as a player
A good player, a player that is concerned about winning, not concerned about Green jackets, and what he should say to hi9s tremendous following. Too bad that Beckham turned out to be all about me, don't see those type teams with those type players winning any championships, with all the change bullshit talk, it is still the old fashioned run Patriots winning almost every year. The old fashioned run Eagles, the old fashioned run Seahawks, and the old fashion run Giants. When I see the new wave win 1 time, then I will admit it has a little merit.
What new wave? Go back and look into NFL history. "Selfish" players win all the time. Jerry Rice threatened to miss games if he wasn't the highest paid non-QB in the league. How many championships did he win again?
would like to see him keep his feet underneath him more after the catch (like he did moreso in college). I saw some improvement in that facet in 2018 so maybe it continues to get better.
Still don't get the Shepard AND Tate concept...
I actually do. And I think it has merit.
Its like the Pats when they simultaneously used Amendola and Edelman. Im getting the sense Shurmur is going to replicate the McDaniels offense...
Ok and maybe it works out. Just feels like the offensive makeup of team is going to allow a whole lot of defenders to be on or around the LOS in suffocating-style.
To Erics point though. He expected more from Shep from being known as top 5 WR in his draft class arguably as compared to undrafted free agents like Edelman and thielan.
Im somewhat disappointed with Shep career so far but see his contract as fair value. Hope he continues to grow as a player
When you go back and look at the 2016 draft for WRs, Shepard is probably the 3rd best receiver, the results are terrible. Thomas is a star, Hill was a star who fell to massive red flags, everybody else is a bust except for Shepard and Fuller. And Shepard is better than Fuller.
Corey Coleman
Will Fuller
Josh Doctson
Treadwell
Shepard
Thomas
Boyd
Braxton Miller
Leonte Caroo
Chris Moore
Malcolm Mitchell
Ricardo Luis
Tyreek Hill
Shepard is the third best player on that draft order.
To Erics point though. He expected more from Shep from being known as top 5 WR in his draft class arguably as compared to undrafted free agents like Edelman and thielan.
Im somewhat disappointed with Shep career so far but see his contract as fair value. Hope he continues to grow as a player
When you go back and look at the 2016 draft for WRs, Shepard is probably the 3rd best receiver, the results are terrible. Thomas is a star, Hill was a star who fell to massive red flags, everybody else is a bust except for Shepard and Fuller. And Shepard is better than Fuller.
Corey Coleman
Will Fuller
Josh Doctson
Treadwell
Shepard
Thomas
Boyd
Braxton Miller
Leonte Caroo
Chris Moore
Malcolm Mitchell
Ricardo Luis
Tyreek Hill
Shepard is the third best player on that draft order.
Boyd is a good player as well, he really came on this year.
To Erics point though. He expected more from Shep from being known as top 5 WR in his draft class arguably as compared to undrafted free agents like Edelman and thielan.
Im somewhat disappointed with Shep career so far but see his contract as fair value. Hope he continues to grow as a player
When you go back and look at the 2016 draft for WRs, Shepard is probably the 3rd best receiver, the results are terrible. Thomas is a star, Hill was a star who fell to massive red flags, everybody else is a bust except for Shepard and Fuller. And Shepard is better than Fuller.
Corey Coleman
Will Fuller
Josh Doctson
Treadwell
Shepard
Thomas
Boyd
Braxton Miller
Leonte Caroo
Chris Moore
Malcolm Mitchell
Ricardo Luis
Tyreek Hill
Shepard is the third best player on that draft order.
There are some absolute stinkers in that list. I still wanted Thomas when we took Shep, I like my WRs big or blazingly fast.
It's hard to figure how the league missed Mike Thomas
A good player, a player that is concerned about winning, not concerned about Green jackets, and what he should say to hi9s tremendous following. Too bad that Beckham turned out to be all about me, don't see those type teams with those type players winning any championships, with all the change bullshit talk, it is still the old fashioned run Patriots winning almost every year. The old fashioned run Eagles, the old fashioned run Seahawks, and the old fashion run Giants. When I see the new wave win 1 time, then I will admit it has a little merit.
What new wave? Go back and look into NFL history. "Selfish" players win all the time. Jerry Rice threatened to miss games if he wasn't the highest paid non-QB in the league. How many championships did he win again?
Sitting out for money you deserve is a lot different that putting yourself ahead of team goals and winning w drama Rice was not Deion Sanders. I dont know why you would pick one of the most ideal team-first players as your example. Heck, Gronk would have been a better example.
$10M is about what I expected him to get, I just didnt think the Giants were gonna pay him that. I think hes one of the most underrated players on this board. To people who say hes a JAG: NO, Reuben Randall was a JAG. Shep is a hard worker, a great route-runner, and has made plenty of big-time catches over the past 3 years. Go look at his stats. If a JAG can put up those numbers then why have so many Giants #2 receivers failed to come anywhere close to those kinds of numbers over the past several decades?
and it may be why they elected to lock this down early, is that it sends the message that they're willing to reward their own. They just purged a good chunk of their roster, traded OBJ and let Collins walk while giving big money to outside players. It was probably important to send that message to the lockerroom this offseason.
and it may be why they elected to lock this down early, is that it sends the message that they're willing to reward their own. They just purged a good chunk of their roster, traded OBJ and let Collins walk while giving big money to outside players. It was probably important to send that message to the lockerroom this offseason.
Great observation. Was wondering this idea as well.
reasonable price for a guy that is going to give you 80+ catches and 900 yards with upside. He and Tate form perhaps the best run blocking WR duo in the league. Watch some of Barkleys runs last year and you will consistently see Sheperd clearing the way for him downfield.
Keep in mind the fact that guys like Devin Funchess got 10M+ a season this year. Imagine what the market will be like next offseason.
We still have the draft, which is very deep at WR in rounds 2-5. We can still land a big-bodied playmaker to go along with Shep and Tate, whether its Butler in the 2nd, or Arcega-Whiteside or Kelvin Harmon in the 3rd. We can also get a blazer to at least replace OBJ in that respect, for instance I really like Mecole Hardman from Georgia in the 3rd or 4th. He was overshadowed by Riley Ridley so a little undervalued, but he is going to be a better pro than he was college player, and hes a threat to score every time he touches the ball.
No matter how you slice it we need a deep threat or big play threat of some sort just to spread the defense out a bit (Barkley needs space to work!) but also no matter how you slice you need guys like Tate and Shep who move the chains.
lol...but in all seriousness he's a good solid player and a good blocking WR so solid signing. it's just that Eli has never been able to throw to short WR's...so more reason to move on from Eli sooner rather than later.
and it may be why they elected to lock this down early, is that it sends the message that they're willing to reward their own. They just purged a good chunk of their roster, traded OBJ and let Collins walk while giving big money to outside players. It was probably important to send that message to the lockerroom this offseason.
and it may be why they elected to lock this down early, is that it sends the message that they're willing to reward their own. They just purged a good chunk of their roster, traded OBJ and let Collins walk while giving big money to outside players. It was probably important to send that message to the lockerroom this offseason.
next offseason as a free agent hed be getting 20% more most likely. We sign him a year sooner, getting back an additional prime year at a cheaper rate. Look at the WR market, he could have gotten a lot more.
How to you bring that word up about this team and players for n the last three years? DG plan is to surprise us and keep us in the dark Shepard has underachieved each year sure he has some moments but he is still not a consistent threat every game. All these smoke and mirrors moves to replace OBJ will in the end all prove useless.
When you go back and look at the 2016 draft for WRs, Shepard is probably the 3rd best receiver, the results are terrible. Thomas is a star, Hill was a star who fell to massive red flags, everybody else is a bust except for Shepard and Fuller. And Shepard is better than Fuller.
Shepard is the third best player on that draft order.
It isn't a big deal, but I don't think Shepard is better than Will Fuller. He's certainly been healthier, but when Fuller plays with Deshaun Watson, his numbers are far superior to anything Shepard has done on a per game, per catch, or total TDs basis.
As for the contract, in a world where Cole Beasley makes 7.5 million and Jamison Crowder gets 9.5 million, getting Sheppard for 10 is a good move for the Giants. He does need to play better though. He dropped too many passes IMO in 2018.
here. I get it most here recently have trashed Odell going out the door and now what to fondly speak on Sterling Shepard like this is anything more than a middling move. He is a receiver who while having a good game here or there has not reached the expectations he had coming out of OU. In fact he was looking like a replaceable part before Obj was traded.
He has had health concerns every year and now we just gave him a contract before it was necessary. Yeah, great he blocks well.... you dont pay wide outs to block well. DG continues to make moves that make you scratch your head. Maybe you guys can put some pointers towards this move that makes it look better than it does but for me this doesnt move the needle at all.
You don't pay wide outs to block well.
Apparently, Dave Gettleman, the guy that actually has a career in an NFL front office, does. Don't confuse YOU with I.
I get the point and until this season I was non plussed with Shep. He's going into year 4 which is a lot of times the jump for a WR. Adam Thielen came alive in year 4 and Julian Edelman did nothing until year 5. With a better OL, solid running game and an offensive minded coach I think you should see him much closer to if not at 1,000 yards this year. If he's used properly he has the skill set to really do well. If he doesn't this year then it's likely a bad contract.
Even if he plateaus it's a solid deal at worst. He's currently a much better player than 3 slot guys that were paid comparably this offseason:
Shepard has also improved his yards/rec every season in the league which means their could be further room for improvement. Crowder's got more big play potential, but isn't nearly the blocker SS is and can't stay healthy.
and puts his heart into the blocking game. Fairly healthy. I don't get the people who say he hasn't lived up to expectations - he has very respectable numbers for a slot guy that has been the 2nd or 3rd option his entire career.
But the kid's been growing on me. As giants#1 pointed out he's improved every year. I don't get caught up in the money side of things, I just want guys who can produce, and Shepard has shown me that he can.
with Odell on the other side of the field. He was never the first read.
You are kidding right? You can't be serious that you know so little about football re offensive play design to state that SS was "NEVER" the first read.
and he's getting paid ~60% what an AP WR would get. But he's a very good WR, who has improved each season. His ceiling is probably that of Golden Tate (90+ rec, 1000+ yds), but that's not a knock. Tate was a low end #1 WR/high end #2 WR at his best.
He had 200 more yards in 2018 compared to 2016 despite the same number of targets (and receptions). Another target/game last season (which is roughly what he saw in 2017 with OBJ out) and he would've cracked the 1000 yard mark.
He's a similar, if not better, athlete than Stefon Diggs (comparable 40s, 3 cone, and 20 yd shuttle), albeit 2 inches shorter. Yet Diggs received a 5 yr/$72M deal. Diggs had arguably his best season under Shurmur so let's see what Shepard can do in year 2 with him.
Linked is a site with some non-traditional stats for him. Interestingly, he was 27th in average yards after catch which would be a low end #1 WR. Link - ( New Window )
but I do think there are guys like Shep in every draft and I mean on day 3. I was thinking he wouldn't be a 2nd contract guy, but what do I know. In any case, seems like a fair contract.
A good player, a player that is concerned about winning, not concerned about Green jackets, and what he should say to hi9s tremendous following. Too bad that Beckham turned out to be all about me, don't see those type teams with those type players winning any championships, with all the change bullshit talk, it is still the old fashioned run Patriots winning almost every year. The old fashioned run Eagles, the old fashioned run Seahawks, and the old fashion run Giants. When I see the new wave win 1 time, then I will admit it has a little merit.
What new wave? Go back and look into NFL history. "Selfish" players win all the time. Jerry Rice threatened to miss games if he wasn't the highest paid non-QB in the league. How many championships did he win again?
Sitting out for money you deserve is a lot different that putting yourself ahead of team goals and winning w drama Rice was not Deion Sanders. I dont know why you would pick one of the most ideal team-first players as your example. Heck, Gronk would have been a better example.
I feel very certain most people would identify threatening to skip regular season games as the very definition of putting yourself ahead of team goals.
He's Cruz or Smith without the sizzle, maybe might have been different under Gilbride.
He will have to pancake block some Eagles secondary for Saquon to justify the contract.
He's better then Steve Smith. He also has more "sizzle" as you like to say. Smith had 1 year over 575 yards or 3 TDs. He never had more then 11.4 YPC. Smith also had Eli in his prime. Shepard has a QB whose on the downside of his career and is probably a better 10-12 starter in the NFL.
lol...but in all seriousness he's a good solid player and a good blocking WR so solid signing. it's just that Eli has never been able to throw to short WR's...so more reason to move on from Eli sooner rather than later.
Though I kind of agree with Eric of BBI here, the idea that Eli can't throw to short WR's is not based on fact.
Eli completed something like 107 passes to Steve Smith in '09 and though Barkley is a RB, Eli completed about 90 passes to him last year. They're both about same height as Shepard.
Here are a few relatively simple comps for Shepard - all play slot
To this point in all of those players careers, none of them had eclipsed 1000 yards. Adams did so in his 5th year last year, Baldwin did so in his 5th year, Thielen did so in his 4th year, Diggs did so in his 4th year, Tate did so in his 5th year. None of their YPC changed dramatically, they just eventually got more targets, as Shepard projects to going forward. Obviously Thielen's contract is a major steal, but if Shepard takes a step forward with more targets similar to these players, his will be a very good one as well.
Safer (none of these players have yet eclipsed 1k yards in a season)
Jamison Crowder yr 3 - 66 rec/103 targets - 789 yards - 12.0 ypc - 3 tds - 64% catch% ($9.5m AAV)
Nelson Agholor yr 3 - 62 rec/95 targets - 768 yards - 12.4 ypc - 8 tds - 65% catch% (rookie deal 5th year option - $9.3m)
Mohamed Sanu yr 3 - 56 rec/98 targets - 790 yards - 14.1 ypc - 5 tds - 57% catch% ($6.5m AAV signed in '16)
The market has moved past Sanu's contract, but even still Shepard's isn't far off. So if he maintains his current level of play he's still got a fair contract.
I'm actually not a huge Shepard fan and someone who thinks it's fair to say he's been a little disappointing. He drops some easy ones and he's not as explosive as I'd hoped when drafted. But going through this exercise, his current numbers/career track is more comparable to some better players than I realized. I'm particularly intrigued by the fact that 2 of those players were coached by Shurmur in their 3rd years, right before their respective breakouts.
He's Cruz or Smith without the sizzle, maybe might have been different under Gilbride.
He will have to pancake block some Eagles secondary for Saquon to justify the contract.
He's better then Steve Smith. He also has more "sizzle" as you like to say. Smith had 1 year over 575 yards or 3 TDs. He never had more then 11.4 YPC. Smith also had Eli in his prime. Shepard has a QB whose on the downside of his career and is probably a better 10-12 starter in the NFL.
Eli/Gilbride/Smith were absolute murder underneath, I've seen teams triple cover Smith. When was the last time you felt comfortable on a 3rd and 5? Last time for me was when we had Smith.
Cruz and Smith worried opposing coaches, you will not find tape of Bellichek saying we need to cover Sheppard.
I don't love SS's game as a pass catcher - there's something about the lack of fluidity to his game that bothers me. BUT the dude hustles, works his ass off, and never causes problems.
He's a good player to have listed on the roster in the WR options.
though jt seemed to hint that Sterling was going to get traded. Something changed?
I don't think jt actually specified that Sterling was going to be traded. At the time, there was speculation that Shep could be traded to the Pats. Jt had said that a trade could still happen and that some players should rent not buy. Shep was the logical target as he was entering the last year of his contract and Tate made him redundant. I have speculated that Engram could be traded as he is the only one left that has value. Engram is a good receiver. But he is strictly one dimensional as he can't block despite the effort. For a run-first offense, Engram doesn't serve that priority.
I feel like there was also a comment about Beckham's negative impact having spread beyond just him - that at least seemed to be an indictment of Sheperd, given how close he and OB were here.
Obviously, as is the case with insider info, these things are fluid and things change (and it's possible that my interpretation of jt's comments was off to begin with), but I can't help but hope that maybe some of the leaks are getting plugged and there might actually be misinformation flowing out of 1925 Giants Drive. Not because the inside info isn't fun, but because if we can find out, so can just about anyone, and that's a competitive disadvantage.
He's a well rounded player, plays with heart, and repeatedly gives us body up for downfield blocking. His best years will be with us, and he's been slowly improving.
I know you don't pay receivers to block, but when you have someone like Saquon, receivers who don't mind getting their hands dirty is a welcome bonus.
He's Cruz or Smith without the sizzle, maybe might have been different under Gilbride.
He will have to pancake block some Eagles secondary for Saquon to justify the contract.
He's better then Steve Smith. He also has more "sizzle" as you like to say. Smith had 1 year over 575 yards or 3 TDs. He never had more then 11.4 YPC. Smith also had Eli in his prime. Shepard has a QB whose on the downside of his career and is probably a better 10-12 starter in the NFL.
Forget stats for a minute - or look up different ones like % of catches that earn first downs. Smith was significantly better than Sheppard has been to date. And Cruz was on another plane from either one. If Sheppard turns into a player as good and reliable as Smith, or as explosive as Cruz, this signing is a lotto jackpot for DG.
I dont see it that way....Tate and Shephard is very similar to Welker/Edelman or Edelman Amendola. Slot or not,both guys get open and are fun when they get the ball.
This must be Joey's good news.
No. We had to sign him first before trading him. Haha
He does a lot.
$21M GTD
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pretty surprised with this after the Tate signing. We'll see what the gtd is but feels like an appropriate deal.
I dont see it that way....Tate and Shephard is very similar to Welker/Edelman or Edelman Amendola. Slot or not,both guys get open and are fun when they get the ball.
This must be Joey's good news.
Great downfield blocker for Saquon. Got open in some key spots underneath. Does yeoman work. Good slot reciever. Can occasionally get open downfield. Generally very high character kid who got influenced by OBJ at times.
Though I doubt he is traded, this contract does potentially increase his trade value as he is now locked up for 4 years at a pretty good market price.
Engram,Tate,Shep, and Barkley is not a bad group of Wideouts. Has the look of a nice collection where the sum is greater than the parts.
That is probably right around where he falls, skill wise, with some additional upside.
That is probably right around where he falls, skill wise, with some additional upside.
He is better than Crowder and Humphries
Perhaps he spoke to Coach or DG and stated his desire to be a NYG long term. Believe it or not, the Giants do listen to guys they think are sincere and come to work everyday.
He was on a rookie deal. Doubtful.
I don't think jt actually specified that Sterling was going to be traded. At the time, there was speculation that Shep could be traded to the Pats. Jt had said that a trade could still happen and that some players should rent not buy. Shep was the logical target as he was entering the last year of his contract and Tate made him redundant. I have speculated that Engram could be traded as he is the only one left that has value. Engram is a good receiver. But he is strictly one dimensional as he can't block despite the effort. For a run-first offense, Engram doesn't serve that priority.
It's been a while since the Giants didn't have "the guy" at WR. I'd say it's been since 2009 -- that year Steve Smith in his third year went for 1200 yards as Manning's slot security blanket.
So Eli will play the role of Brady. But I don't think this type of offense is his strength at all. I trust him less and less to make the right read.
But you still need a deep threat to keep the defense honest. Which makes me fear the idea they strongly consider Metcalf at #17. And boy will that be a remote thrower...
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though jt seemed to hint that Sterling was going to get traded. Something changed?
I don't think jt actually specified that Sterling was going to be traded. At the time, there was speculation that Shep could be traded to the Pats. Jt had said that a trade could still happen and that some players should rent not buy. Shep was the logical target as he was entering the last year of his contract and Tate made him redundant. I have speculated that Engram could be traded as he is the only one left that has value. Engram is a good receiver. But he is strictly one dimensional as he can't block despite the effort. For a run-first offense, Engram doesn't serve that priority.
Run-first offense doesn't mean run-only. Once you start building your offense around one thing, you become easy to defend. A balanced offense serves the run game, just like the run game allows for a pass attack. Just adding Tate doesn't make up for the fact that they lost a lot of ability to threaten teams with the pass. Instead of trading an impactful playmaker on a cheap deal, it would be wiser to just make use of his strengths.
At all is an overstatement. He's not Randy Moss but he's also not Derek Hagan. He's had 4-5 50 yard plays the past couple years. And he's mostly been worked underneath. They must think he's got some untapped upside as his targets will likely increase this year.
So Eli will play the role of Brady. But I don't think this type of offense is his strength at all. I trust him less and less to make the right read.
But you still need a deep threat to keep the defense honest. Which makes me fear the idea they strongly consider Metcalf at #17. And boy will that be a remote thrower...
Over the years Giants have stressed route running pretty high on the list. That puts AJ Brown likely at the top. Butler is underrated there. Parris is a bit of an unknown.
It's actually the 20th largest average money for a receiver. Pretty middle of the road.
Mike Garafolo
Verified account @MikeGarafolo
31m31 minutes ago
There was some talk the #Patriots would have interest in trading for Sterling Shepard, with @MikeReiss mentioning that in print last month. But obviously thats not happening. The #Giants value Shepard, who wouldve been a free agent next spring.
This is my question. When we signed Tate it seemed to me Shepard would either be traded or possibly shifted outside where he can be involved in deeper passing routes. It will be interesting.
He has talent, and as many have pointed out his downfield blocking is excellent. Don't hate it and don't love it.
he also doesn't drop a lot of balls
He has had health concerns every year and now we just gave him a contract before it was necessary. Yeah, great he blocks well.... you dont pay wide outs to block well. DG continues to make moves that make you scratch your head. Maybe you guys can put some pointers towards this move that makes it look better than it does but for me this doesnt move the needle at all.
Deep threat coming in the draft perhaps.
I'd agree this is his current market value if he were a FA, but that's why I think it would seem to indicate the Giants think his arrow is pointed up. Or else they could have waited. It's basically the same deal Humphries and Tyrell Johnson took and less than what Jamison Crowder and Cole Beasley took. Tate too but he's obviously older.
All are comparable, except for the fact that the Giants chose to sign Shepard a year out, which they would only do if they felt they were getting some level of discount.
In Adam Thielen's 4th year he took a leap from 69 receptions/900 yards to 91 receptions/1200 yards. I wonder if Shurmur sees something similar possible with Shepard in an offense that spreads the football around more.
on a side note - someone mentioned Shep helping Barkley downfield - all the wrs are "willing blockers'. Remember Odell taking on two seperate DBs on one run.
This is a really good move for the Giants and Shep. Maybe he would've gotten more $ if he tested FA market, maybe he would have caught the Steve Smithinjur jinx.
I would go projecting how many yards he'll have just yet. If everything goess right - they fix RT spot, which improves running game, making play action work better. and they will probably spread ball aournd more.
Another rb in the draft would be great too. would love to get Barkley's stable mate.
Shepard's been a better, healthier, more significantly more productive player, signed for 1.25m more per year.
Another player, Jamison Crowder, you would also consider a lesser player than shepard, signed for 9.5m
Wondering if not having the "obvious "1st read" does that help all the wrs and Eli out.
Its not a bad deal at all. Hes a real solid player, and he showed some ability to get behind DBs late last year. But yes, generally he is going to excel as a slot guy. And that makes the Tate signing extremely questionable now. I dont care what type of offense you plan on running.
Truth. Shepard was a vicious blocker on SB runs this year.
He has had health concerns every year and now we just gave him a contract before it was necessary. Yeah, great he blocks well.... you dont pay wide outs to block well. DG continues to make moves that make you scratch your head. Maybe you guys can put some pointers towards this move that makes it look better than it does but for me this doesnt move the needle at all.
I don't know what expectations you may be referring to. He was never sold as a #1 receiver. His ceiling was always as a slot/possession/receiver.
Eric, what you say makes no sense, as oppose to the money that would be needed if he could stretch the field? This seems like market value.
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This is about market value, fellas.
I'd agree this is his current market value if he were a FA, but that's why I think it would seem to indicate the Giants think his arrow is pointed up. Or else they could have waited. It's basically the same deal Humphries and Tyrell Johnson took and less than what Jamison Crowder and Cole Beasley took. Tate too but he's obviously older.
All are comparable, except for the fact that the Giants chose to sign Shepard a year out, which they would only do if they felt they were getting some level of discount.
In Adam Thielen's 4th year he took a leap from 69 receptions/900 yards to 91 receptions/1200 yards. I wonder if Shurmur sees something similar possible with Shepard in an offense that spreads the football around more.
Right, if you assume his role is going to grow a bit now and that his arrow is still pointing up (it should be... he's coming off his best year), he'd only be more expensive next year.
The market certainly isn't going to drop in the interim.
It's basically mild cost control and depending on how they structured it, could provide additional flexibility.
He has had health concerns every year and now we just gave him a contract before it was necessary. Yeah, great he blocks well.... you dont pay wide outs to block well. DG continues to make moves that make you scratch your head. Maybe you guys can put some pointers towards this move that makes it look better than it does but for me this doesnt move the needle at all.
He's started 16 games 2/3 years he's been here. He had mathematically the same target to catch percentage Beckham did last year.
If Shepard is targeted one more time per game at his 2018 catch percentage and YPC he projects to 1017 yards.
This is about project value based on reasonable growth.
That was my point... He is better (and worth more) than Crowder and Humphries, and that is what he got.
That's my feeling as well. Just a really limited receiver now locked into a starting role. An inexpensive contract for a guy who limits your potential through the air isn't a good trade off.
Right, if you assume his role is going to grow a bit now and that his arrow is still pointing up (it should be... he's coming off his best year), he'd only be more expensive next year.
The market certainly isn't going to drop in the interim.
It's basically mild cost control and depending on how they structured it, could provide additional flexibility.
Yup. Also starts the clock on guaranteed money (and roster inflexibility) earlier. 1 year less risky on the back end. And probably sends some good vibes through the lockerroom. I'm not the biggest Shep fan, I actually like Crowder a little bit more, but it's a fair deal and i'm curious to see what happens in a bigger role and out of Odell's shadow. I trust Shurmur's ability to run an effective offense so if he thinks Shepard can be part of it I can have faith in that.
Ha ha, that was the first thing I thought when I saw the thread title having read the RUSSELL thread earlier! Initial thought was --OMG this will be THE meltdown of all time if true!!!!!!!!
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here. I get it most here recently have trashed Odell going out the door and now what to fondly speak on Sterling Shepard like this is anything more than a middling move. He is a receiver who while having a good game here or there has not reached the expectations he had coming out of OU. In fact he was looking like a replaceable part before Obj was traded.
He has had health concerns every year and now we just gave him a contract before it was necessary. Yeah, great he blocks well.... you dont pay wide outs to block well. DG continues to make moves that make you scratch your head. Maybe you guys can put some pointers towards this move that makes it look better than it does but for me this doesnt move the needle at all.
I don't know what expectations you may be referring to. He was never sold as a #1 receiver. His ceiling was always as a slot/possession/receiver.
Agree TTH. This is what I expected of him. I believe they got very good value for him. It's a good signing. I guess if DG won a super bowl, some of these posters will still continue to hate him just, because he proved them wrong.
Jay, I almost shit my pants over the same thing lol
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a lot of money for a WR who can't stretch the field at all.
That's my feeling as well. Just a really limited receiver now locked into a starting role. An inexpensive contract for a guy who limits your potential through the air isn't a good trade off.
WTF - He's always been a starter. He has intangibles, and if we become a contender again, his blocking for Saquon, and being able to move the chains, will play a pivotal role.
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though jt seemed to hint that Sterling was going to get traded. Something changed?
No. We had to sign him first before trading him. Haha
Really? I thought that any reason to trade Sterling was his value vs. cost. IMO, he's a decent, young WR and likely worth that contract. It seems to me that trading a solid, young WR would be foolish unless they had a replacement/upgrade at a bargain price.
If they do end up trading him, it will likely be because of a perceived connection to a so-called bad influence.
Average Targeted Air Yards
'16: 9.3
'17: 8.8
'18: 10.4
Catch %
'16: 61.9%
'17: 70.24%
'18: 61.68%
YAC v. xYAC
'16: -.6
'17: +1.7
'18: +.4
Is this true? Or did we rip up the 1 year 1.2 mil and replace it with the 4 year deal?
I would probably agree, they could have waited until this year was up, what's the hurry?
He'll still be under 30 going into the last year of the deal.
He had an equally productive season as Tate last year, and averaged 2.5 yards more a catch.
This is a fine deal for a young player.
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its a 4 yr 41 mil extension on top of the 1 yr 1.2 mil he had left on his deal, so gotta see how the numbers work out but its essentially 5 yr 42.3 mil contract w/ 21 mil guaranteed
Is this true? Or did we rip up the 1 year 1.2 mil and replace it with the 4 year deal?
Steve is correct. The final numbers haven't been posted, but you can see his prior contract and the new one here.
If that's true, this is even better.
He is EASILY the best WR blocker we've had since steve smith, and for my money, hes even better
Five years at an average of 8.5M a year for ages 25-29 for a good not great receiver is hard to complain about.
He won't be the age Tate is right now if he finishes this contract.
A guy like Funchess signed a 10M prove it deal and isn't anywhere the player Shepard is.
I'm not saying it was the wrong move. I'm just not sure it was the right move. We'll see.
Sterling Shepard is one of those guys who I thought would be better than he has been. I expected more of him. If he comes on, this is a good deal.
just out of curiosity, which non-rookie scale WR still in their prime has a better value of a contract? How attainable is that player attainable?
I don't think Shepard is an amazing player and I'd even agree he's been somewhat of a disappointment - but he's getting paid like a middle of the road starter, which is what he is, in a team friendly structure. And he may yet have some upside. He has played well when Beckham was out. Davante Adams was a disappointment posting Shepard-esque numbers for four years. Then in year 5 his targets went up by ~40% and he wasn't a disappointment anymore. His YPC remained the same at 12.5.
Need to actually let it play out. Its reasonable to assume he will improve with less distractions, an emphasis on the run game, and a better work ethic as a whole for the WR corps.
Where do you guys think you are finding better WRs for less money? The guarantees money is low, this is a good deal.
Him and Tate seem like similar players, which seems a little odd.
But I am find with it
He's still cheap this year and can't go anywhere.
It shows the other players that if you work hard, show improvement and consistency, and are a positive person in the locker room, you are part of the solution and will be rewarded.
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i just don't think he is worth this kind of money and is easily replaced. i think this is a bad move by the organization. he is the prime example of a guy you let leave and let someone else overpay
I'm not saying it was the wrong move. I'm just not sure it was the right move. We'll see.
Sterling Shepard is one of those guys who I thought would be better than he has been. I expected more of him. If he comes on, this is a good deal.
Eric, I think his value is downfield blocking. He's a mediocre WR. But when you are going to make SB the main focus of your offense, you absolutely value a WR like SS opening lanes for SB downfield. I would equate him to Hines Ward lite.
Four, half as many as Golden Tate.
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i just don't think he is worth this kind of money and is easily replaced. i think this is a bad move by the organization. he is the prime example of a guy you let leave and let someone else overpay
I'm not saying it was the wrong move. I'm just not sure it was the right move. We'll see.
Sterling Shepard is one of those guys who I thought would be better than he has been. I expected more of him. If he comes on, this is a good deal.
I absolutely think with the trade of OBJ, we will continue to see Sterling tick upwards.
Thats got nothing to do with this deal though. Most #1 WRs are drafted or traded for, not signed as FAs so Im not sure what the expectations are here.
The giants are committing to the run game (where Shepard does well) and will use that to open up the short and intermediate passing game (think Pats). Shepard is perfect for that kind of offense.
Is he a good golfer?
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In comment 14381400 GiantsFan84 said:
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i just don't think he is worth this kind of money and is easily replaced. i think this is a bad move by the organization. he is the prime example of a guy you let leave and let someone else overpay
I'm not saying it was the wrong move. I'm just not sure it was the right move. We'll see.
Sterling Shepard is one of those guys who I thought would be better than he has been. I expected more of him. If he comes on, this is a good deal.
Eric, I think his value is downfield blocking. He's a mediocre WR. But when you are going to make SB the main focus of your offense, you absolutely value a WR like SS opening lanes for SB downfield. I would equate him to Hines Ward lite.
8.5M for a mediocre receiver with outstanding blocking skills? After you sign a similar player in Tate? I dont get it. Sterling is short, moderate speed, moderate quickness and average hands. Doesnt make a lot of big plays. Scares nobody.
Im trying to keep the faith with DG but hes making it hard.
Cant imagine they floated more than a 4th. I would think that a Third would be enticing
Still don't get the Shepard AND Tate concept...
Still don't get the Shepard AND Tate concept...
I actually do. And I think it has merit.
Its like the Pats when they simultaneously used Amendola and Edelman. Im getting the sense Shurmur is going to replicate the McDaniels offense...
6 touchdowns over the last 2 years. Less than 900 yards in his best season, good for 31st in the league I would call that mediocre. Would have preferred a guy who stretched the field and/or is a red zone threat
Does this signal a big wideout at 17 or 27? Or Hock at 6 or 17? Have to think theres a bigger plan.
Evidently they got over that issue real f'in fast.
thanks for clarifying jt. And I know you didn't guarantee that he would be dealt, so I'm curious what the Pats offered. My guess would be a 3rd or 4th for him and the Giants didn't bite. I don't actually have a problem with Shepard, but as others have said, he's not going to stretch the field. It almost feels like a return to the 90s when the Giants would build around a RB (Hampton) and had a bunch of possession receivers masquerading as #1s (think Chris Calloway).
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They signed Tate to play Z in place of Beckham. There was still a need for a primary slot guy. Shep is a top slot receiver in the league. People calling him mediocre don't know what mediocre means or they don't watch football.
6 touchdowns over the last 2 years. Less than 900 yards in his best season, good for 31st in the league I would call that mediocre. Would have preferred a guy who stretched the field and/or is a red zone threat
Does this signal a big wideout at 17 or 27? Or Hock at 6 or 17? Have to think theres a bigger plan.
Like I said, you don't know what mediocre means.
And yes, we still have holes on this team, shockingly.
As a #2 receiver, there's no question he's a really good one.
I really don't mind this contract, and I am pretty skeptical of this front office. When you look at the deals given to slot WRs inferior (IMO) to Shepard, this money lines up well. I think this is more of an indictment on the deal given to Tate, who at this point in his career also needs to be more of a slot guy. The metrics show that Shepard is far more effective in the slot than outside.
Shepard will also improve once we get a new QB, unless we let Eli play until he's 47, in which case Shepard will probably no longer be here.
I really like Shepard, and I think he has the chance to be very good moving forward. I just don't love the idea of pairing him with Tate. For those of you pining for Michael Thomas, stop. He was never going to hit FA. The Saints would have franchised him long before that happened.
As a #2 receiver, there's no question he's a really good one.
In this market its a fair deal, comparable to what very similar players in Humphreys and crowder received. But I thought those guys were overpaid while guys like Funchess were grossly overpaid. However, with a slot receiver on the field a majority of downs, its where the league is heading.
I am not sure how both SHEPARD and TATE will be utilized together, but my guess is Shurmur and staff must have some kind of plan to use them together.
And his blocking has real value.
Surprise, surprise, surprise!
They keep a guy on a fair deal. We paid him too much. They act like its their money..
Thats a market value deal...
Stop Hating on Shep. - ( New Window )
They keep a guy on a fair deal. We paid him too much. They act like its their money..
Thats a market value deal... Stop Hating on Shep. - ( New Window )
Most of them are stuck in 2009 when it comes to NFL contracts. It's comical actually.
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They signed Tate to play Z in place of Beckham. There was still a need for a primary slot guy. Shep is a top slot receiver in the league. People calling him mediocre don't know what mediocre means or they don't watch football.
6 touchdowns over the last 2 years. Less than 900 yards in his best season, good for 31st in the league
Your expectations are unrealistic for a secondary option on a team that could barely run a competent offense because of serious roster problems.
Im somewhat disappointed with Shep career so far but see his contract as fair value. Hope he continues to grow as a player
What new wave? Go back and look into NFL history. "Selfish" players win all the time. Jerry Rice threatened to miss games if he wasn't the highest paid non-QB in the league. How many championships did he win again?
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would like to see him keep his feet underneath him more after the catch (like he did moreso in college). I saw some improvement in that facet in 2018 so maybe it continues to get better.
Still don't get the Shepard AND Tate concept...
I actually do. And I think it has merit.
Its like the Pats when they simultaneously used Amendola and Edelman. Im getting the sense Shurmur is going to replicate the McDaniels offense...
Ok and maybe it works out. Just feels like the offensive makeup of team is going to allow a whole lot of defenders to be on or around the LOS in suffocating-style.
Im somewhat disappointed with Shep career so far but see his contract as fair value. Hope he continues to grow as a player
When you go back and look at the 2016 draft for WRs, Shepard is probably the 3rd best receiver, the results are terrible. Thomas is a star, Hill was a star who fell to massive red flags, everybody else is a bust except for Shepard and Fuller. And Shepard is better than Fuller.
Corey Coleman
Will Fuller
Josh Doctson
Treadwell
Shepard
Thomas
Boyd
Braxton Miller
Leonte Caroo
Chris Moore
Malcolm Mitchell
Ricardo Luis
Tyreek Hill
Shepard is the third best player on that draft order.
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To Erics point though. He expected more from Shep from being known as top 5 WR in his draft class arguably as compared to undrafted free agents like Edelman and thielan.
Im somewhat disappointed with Shep career so far but see his contract as fair value. Hope he continues to grow as a player
When you go back and look at the 2016 draft for WRs, Shepard is probably the 3rd best receiver, the results are terrible. Thomas is a star, Hill was a star who fell to massive red flags, everybody else is a bust except for Shepard and Fuller. And Shepard is better than Fuller.
Corey Coleman
Will Fuller
Josh Doctson
Treadwell
Shepard
Thomas
Boyd
Braxton Miller
Leonte Caroo
Chris Moore
Malcolm Mitchell
Ricardo Luis
Tyreek Hill
Shepard is the third best player on that draft order.
Boyd is a good player as well, he really came on this year.
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To Erics point though. He expected more from Shep from being known as top 5 WR in his draft class arguably as compared to undrafted free agents like Edelman and thielan.
Im somewhat disappointed with Shep career so far but see his contract as fair value. Hope he continues to grow as a player
When you go back and look at the 2016 draft for WRs, Shepard is probably the 3rd best receiver, the results are terrible. Thomas is a star, Hill was a star who fell to massive red flags, everybody else is a bust except for Shepard and Fuller. And Shepard is better than Fuller.
Corey Coleman
Will Fuller
Josh Doctson
Treadwell
Shepard
Thomas
Boyd
Braxton Miller
Leonte Caroo
Chris Moore
Malcolm Mitchell
Ricardo Luis
Tyreek Hill
Shepard is the third best player on that draft order.
But he was naive enough at one time to be a playoff party boat moron.
Guessing he has become the professional Beckham never did?
Then again, ole Hog Mollie prob signed him to trade him next season lol
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A good player, a player that is concerned about winning, not concerned about Green jackets, and what he should say to hi9s tremendous following. Too bad that Beckham turned out to be all about me, don't see those type teams with those type players winning any championships, with all the change bullshit talk, it is still the old fashioned run Patriots winning almost every year. The old fashioned run Eagles, the old fashioned run Seahawks, and the old fashion run Giants. When I see the new wave win 1 time, then I will admit it has a little merit.
What new wave? Go back and look into NFL history. "Selfish" players win all the time. Jerry Rice threatened to miss games if he wasn't the highest paid non-QB in the league. How many championships did he win again?
Sitting out for money you deserve is a lot different that putting yourself ahead of team goals and winning w drama Rice was not Deion Sanders. I dont know why you would pick one of the most ideal team-first players as your example. Heck, Gronk would have been a better example.
Except that he is.
Great observation. Was wondering this idea as well.
Keep in mind the fact that guys like Devin Funchess got 10M+ a season this year. Imagine what the market will be like next offseason.
No matter how you slice it we need a deep threat or big play threat of some sort just to spread the defense out a bit (Barkley needs space to work!) but also no matter how you slice you need guys like Tate and Shep who move the chains.
This week...........
Huh? Yeah Victor Cruz and OBJ are real monsters.
Good point.
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and it may be why they elected to lock this down early, is that it sends the message that they're willing to reward their own. They just purged a good chunk of their roster, traded OBJ and let Collins walk while giving big money to outside players. It was probably important to send that message to the lockerroom this offseason.
Good point.
+2.
When you go back and look at the 2016 draft for WRs, Shepard is probably the 3rd best receiver, the results are terrible. Thomas is a star, Hill was a star who fell to massive red flags, everybody else is a bust except for Shepard and Fuller. And Shepard is better than Fuller.
Shepard is the third best player on that draft order.
As for the contract, in a world where Cole Beasley makes 7.5 million and Jamison Crowder gets 9.5 million, getting Sheppard for 10 is a good move for the Giants. He does need to play better though. He dropped too many passes IMO in 2018.
Or, for that matter, Dwayne Haskins or Will Grier. ;-)
He has had health concerns every year and now we just gave him a contract before it was necessary. Yeah, great he blocks well.... you dont pay wide outs to block well. DG continues to make moves that make you scratch your head. Maybe you guys can put some pointers towards this move that makes it look better than it does but for me this doesnt move the needle at all.
You don't pay wide outs to block well.
Apparently, Dave Gettleman, the guy that actually has a career in an NFL front office, does. Don't confuse YOU with I.
Solid player, still has some upside. Blocks, good in the slot.
As stated, they need to add a big big receiver who can stretch the field too. Have to think they'll draft one...
WR's On Roster
Tate
Shep
Coleman
R. Shepard
Latimer
Fowler
Davis
Alonzo
Brittan
Even if he plateaus it's a solid deal at worst. He's currently a much better player than 3 slot guys that were paid comparably this offseason:
Shepard (4 yrs/$41M): 66 rec 872 yards 4 TDs 13.2 y/r
Humphries (4 yrs/$36M): 76 rec 816 yards 5 TDs 10.7 y/r
Crowder (3 yrs/$28.5M): 29 rec 388 yards 2 TDs 13.4 y/r
Beasley (4 yrs/$29M): 65 rec 672 yards 3 TDs 10.3 y/r
Landry (5 yrs/$75M): 81 rec 976 yards 4 TDs 12.0 y/r
Shepard has also improved his yards/rec every season in the league which means their could be further room for improvement. Crowder's got more big play potential, but isn't nearly the blocker SS is and can't stay healthy.
You are kidding right? You can't be serious that you know so little about football re offensive play design to state that SS was "NEVER" the first read.
I hope I'm misreading hyperbole.
Shepards improvement:
2016: 65 rec 683 yds 10.5 y/r
2017: 59 rec 731 yds 12.4 y/r (11 games)
2018: 66 rec 872 yds 13.2 y/r
He had 200 more yards in 2018 compared to 2016 despite the same number of targets (and receptions). Another target/game last season (which is roughly what he saw in 2017 with OBJ out) and he would've cracked the 1000 yard mark.
He's a similar, if not better, athlete than Stefon Diggs (comparable 40s, 3 cone, and 20 yd shuttle), albeit 2 inches shorter. Yet Diggs received a 5 yr/$72M deal. Diggs had arguably his best season under Shurmur so let's see what Shepard can do in year 2 with him.
Linked is a site with some non-traditional stats for him. Interestingly, he was 27th in average yards after catch which would be a low end #1 WR.
Link - ( New Window )
He will have to pancake block some Eagles secondary for Saquon to justify the contract.
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In comment 14381466 PaulN said:
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A good player, a player that is concerned about winning, not concerned about Green jackets, and what he should say to hi9s tremendous following. Too bad that Beckham turned out to be all about me, don't see those type teams with those type players winning any championships, with all the change bullshit talk, it is still the old fashioned run Patriots winning almost every year. The old fashioned run Eagles, the old fashioned run Seahawks, and the old fashion run Giants. When I see the new wave win 1 time, then I will admit it has a little merit.
What new wave? Go back and look into NFL history. "Selfish" players win all the time. Jerry Rice threatened to miss games if he wasn't the highest paid non-QB in the league. How many championships did he win again?
Sitting out for money you deserve is a lot different that putting yourself ahead of team goals and winning w drama Rice was not Deion Sanders. I dont know why you would pick one of the most ideal team-first players as your example. Heck, Gronk would have been a better example.
I feel very certain most people would identify threatening to skip regular season games as the very definition of putting yourself ahead of team goals.
I love this guy.
He will have to pancake block some Eagles secondary for Saquon to justify the contract.
He's better then Steve Smith. He also has more "sizzle" as you like to say. Smith had 1 year over 575 yards or 3 TDs. He never had more then 11.4 YPC. Smith also had Eli in his prime. Shepard has a QB whose on the downside of his career and is probably a better 10-12 starter in the NFL.
Though I kind of agree with Eric of BBI here, the idea that Eli can't throw to short WR's is not based on fact.
Eli completed something like 107 passes to Steve Smith in '09 and though Barkley is a RB, Eli completed about 90 passes to him last year. They're both about same height as Shepard.
Optimistic
Davante Adams yr 3 - 75 rec/121 targets - 997 yards - 13.3 ypc - 12 td - 62% catch % ($14.5m AAV)
Adam Thielen yr 3 - 69 rec/92 targets - 969 yards - 14.0 ypc - 5 td - 75% catch% ($5m AAV signed in '17)
Golden Tate yr 3 - 45 rec/68 targets - 688 yards - 15.3 ypc - 7 td - 66% catch% ($9.3m AAV)
Doug Baldwin yr 3 - 50 rec/72 targets - 778 yards - 15.6 ypc - 5 td - 69% catch% ($11.5m AAV)
Stefon Diggs yr3 - 64 rec/95 targets - 849 yards - 13.3 ypc - 8 td - 67% catch% ($14.4m AAV)
To this point in all of those players careers, none of them had eclipsed 1000 yards. Adams did so in his 5th year last year, Baldwin did so in his 5th year, Thielen did so in his 4th year, Diggs did so in his 4th year, Tate did so in his 5th year. None of their YPC changed dramatically, they just eventually got more targets, as Shepard projects to going forward. Obviously Thielen's contract is a major steal, but if Shepard takes a step forward with more targets similar to these players, his will be a very good one as well.
Safer (none of these players have yet eclipsed 1k yards in a season)
Jamison Crowder yr 3 - 66 rec/103 targets - 789 yards - 12.0 ypc - 3 tds - 64% catch% ($9.5m AAV)
Nelson Agholor yr 3 - 62 rec/95 targets - 768 yards - 12.4 ypc - 8 tds - 65% catch% (rookie deal 5th year option - $9.3m)
Mohamed Sanu yr 3 - 56 rec/98 targets - 790 yards - 14.1 ypc - 5 tds - 57% catch% ($6.5m AAV signed in '16)
The market has moved past Sanu's contract, but even still Shepard's isn't far off. So if he maintains his current level of play he's still got a fair contract.
I'm actually not a huge Shepard fan and someone who thinks it's fair to say he's been a little disappointing. He drops some easy ones and he's not as explosive as I'd hoped when drafted. But going through this exercise, his current numbers/career track is more comparable to some better players than I realized. I'm particularly intrigued by the fact that 2 of those players were coached by Shurmur in their 3rd years, right before their respective breakouts.
I'm hoping for the best - that we have sufficient weapons with Shepard and Engram taking a step forward.
That said, we still need a big body on the outside, regardless of whether it's Shep or Tate on the other side.
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He's Cruz or Smith without the sizzle, maybe might have been different under Gilbride.
He will have to pancake block some Eagles secondary for Saquon to justify the contract.
He's better then Steve Smith. He also has more "sizzle" as you like to say. Smith had 1 year over 575 yards or 3 TDs. He never had more then 11.4 YPC. Smith also had Eli in his prime. Shepard has a QB whose on the downside of his career and is probably a better 10-12 starter in the NFL.
Eli/Gilbride/Smith were absolute murder underneath, I've seen teams triple cover Smith. When was the last time you felt comfortable on a 3rd and 5? Last time for me was when we had Smith.
Cruz and Smith worried opposing coaches, you will not find tape of Bellichek saying we need to cover Sheppard.
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In comment 14382075 Coach Red Beaulieu said:
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Cruz and Smith worried opposing coaches, you will not find tape of Bellichek saying we need to cover Sheppard.
No you won't especially since Shepard has never played against NE.
He's a good player to have listed on the roster in the WR options.
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though jt seemed to hint that Sterling was going to get traded. Something changed?
I don't think jt actually specified that Sterling was going to be traded. At the time, there was speculation that Shep could be traded to the Pats. Jt had said that a trade could still happen and that some players should rent not buy. Shep was the logical target as he was entering the last year of his contract and Tate made him redundant. I have speculated that Engram could be traded as he is the only one left that has value. Engram is a good receiver. But he is strictly one dimensional as he can't block despite the effort. For a run-first offense, Engram doesn't serve that priority.
I feel like there was also a comment about Beckham's negative impact having spread beyond just him - that at least seemed to be an indictment of Sheperd, given how close he and OB were here.
Obviously, as is the case with insider info, these things are fluid and things change (and it's possible that my interpretation of jt's comments was off to begin with), but I can't help but hope that maybe some of the leaks are getting plugged and there might actually be misinformation flowing out of 1925 Giants Drive. Not because the inside info isn't fun, but because if we can find out, so can just about anyone, and that's a competitive disadvantage.
I know you don't pay receivers to block, but when you have someone like Saquon, receivers who don't mind getting their hands dirty is a welcome bonus.
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He's Cruz or Smith without the sizzle, maybe might have been different under Gilbride.
He will have to pancake block some Eagles secondary for Saquon to justify the contract.
He's better then Steve Smith. He also has more "sizzle" as you like to say. Smith had 1 year over 575 yards or 3 TDs. He never had more then 11.4 YPC. Smith also had Eli in his prime. Shepard has a QB whose on the downside of his career and is probably a better 10-12 starter in the NFL.
Forget stats for a minute - or look up different ones like % of catches that earn first downs. Smith was significantly better than Sheppard has been to date. And Cruz was on another plane from either one. If Sheppard turns into a player as good and reliable as Smith, or as explosive as Cruz, this signing is a lotto jackpot for DG.