Who Should I Start? Sterling Shepard or Trey Palmer

Sunday, February 22, 10:27 AM

Across 13 games in 2025, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard recorded 39 receptions for 371 yards and one touchdown on 53 targets. With veteran Buccaneers wideouts Mike Evans and Chris Godwin Jr. sidelined for a significant portion of the year by injury, Shepard saw increased opportunity for playing time, particularly early in the season. However, he was largely unable to hold off Bucs rookie wide receivers Emeka Egbuka and Tez Johnson, and the late-season return of second-year wideout Jalen McMillan pushed Shepard even further down the depth chart. Shepard is now set for unrestricted free agency, and a change of scenery away from the crowded wide receiver room in Tampa Bay could help his fantasy outlook. Still, Shepard is entering his age-33 season and has not recorded 40 receptions in a season since 2020. Regardless of where he ends up in 2026, Shepard's fantasy-relevant days may be behind him.

Thursday, August 28, 12:05 AM

The New Orleans Saints have claimed wide receiver Trey Palmer off waivers from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 24-year-old was only targeted in the Bucs' third and final preseason game, as he caught one pass for 13 yards. He was a sixth-round pick in 2023 but has caught just 51 passes for 557 yards and four touchdowns over the course of two NFL seasons. After missing out on a roster spot in Tampa Bay, he'll now get a fresh start with the Saints. He'll likely rank near the bottom of the depth chart, competing with the likes of Cedrick Wilson Jr., Mason Tipton, and Devaughn Vele.