New York Giants: Should Sterling Shepard Be Extended Beyond 2019?

The New York Giants have one of the most intimidating receiving units in the NFL on paper, but they’ve struggled to reach expectation in recent years. When former Oklahoma star Sterling Shepard was drafted in 2016, it was expected that he would be the perfect compliment to Odell Beckham Jr.

The slot receiver hasn’t broken the 1,000 yard-mark once in his career, reaching a career-high 872 yards last season. He also has 14 career scores, compared to Beckham’s 44 in five seasons (35 in first three seasons). The value of the 26-year-old might not add to up to his price tag after he becomes a free agent in 2020.

Should the New York Giants extend Shepard?

The Giants can likely replace the production of Shepard with a much cheaper, secondary option. He could be a draft pick or a free agent pick up, but I would expect Shepard to earn around $8 million on the open market. Picking him up would be a pure complimentary choice, as he performed at an average level in the No.1 role after Beckham broke his ankle in 2017.

Personally, I’m content with the Giants moving on from him after the upcoming season. His efficiency can be matched at a far less price and his influence on the success of the team isn’t at a level that warrants a big contract.

An alternative could be a player like Tampa Bay slot receiver Adam Humphries – he recorded 816 yards and five touchdowns in 2018.