Sterling Shepard
Sterling Shepard is a wide receiver the New York Jets signed to their practice squad on September 15, 2026. A ten-year NFL veteran, he spent eight seasons with the New York Giants and two with Tampa Bay before joining the Jets. See the full Jets roster hub.
Background and Path to the Jets
The Jets announced Shepard on September 15, 2026 as one of three practice-squad additions, alongside wide receiver Tyler Johnson and safety John Saunders Jr. The same move signed cornerback Jordan Clark to the active roster and released two players from the practice squad.
Listed by the club at 5-10 and 194 pounds, he has registered 443 receptions for 4,800 yards, an average of 10.8 per catch, and 25 touchdowns across ten NFL seasons with the Giants from 2016 to 2023 and Tampa Bay in 2024 and 2025.
In 2025 he appeared in 13 games for the Buccaneers with 39 receptions for 371 yards and one touchdown. He spent the 2026 summer with the Houston Texans before the Jets signed him. The active receiver group he sits behind is led by Garrett Wilson and is set out on the Jets depth chart.
Career Snapshot
| Period | Team | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2016–2023 | New York Giants | Eight seasons |
| 2024–2025 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Two seasons; 13 games and 39 catches in 2025 |
| Summer 2026 | Houston Texans | Offseason stint |
| Sep 15, 2026 | New York Jets | Signed to the practice squad |
| Career | — | 443 receptions, 4,800 yards, 25 touchdowns |
Current Status
Shepard is on the Jets’ practice squad, signed September 15, 2026. Practice-squad players are not on the active roster and must be elevated or signed up to appear in a game. Our report on the signing covers the full set of moves.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sterling Shepard on the Jets?
Yes. The Jets signed him to their practice squad on September 15, 2026. He is not on the active roster.
What are Sterling Shepard’s career statistics?
Across ten NFL seasons he has 443 receptions for 4,800 yards, an average of 10.8 yards per catch, and 25 touchdowns.
What teams has Sterling Shepard played for?
He spent 2016 to 2023 with the New York Giants and 2024 and 2025 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and was with the Houston Texans during the 2026 summer.
How did Sterling Shepard perform in 2025?
He appeared in 13 games for Tampa Bay with 39 receptions for 371 yards and one touchdown.
Can Sterling Shepard play in a Jets game?
Only if the club elevates him from the practice squad for that game or signs him to the active roster.