Former Buccaneer Sterling Shepard Lands a Ravens Tryout

When the Buccaneers announced that they wouldn’t bring back veteran wide receiver Sterling Shepard for the 2026 season, the news slipped by most fans in the noise of free‑agency chatter. Shepard, who signed with Tampa Bay in 2024 at the urging of former Oklahoma teammate Baker Mayfield, posted respectable numbers over two years – 71 catches for 705 yards and two touchdowns in 28 games, including the playoffs.

But the Bucs are turning the page. With Mike Evans now wearing a 49ers helmet and the team’s young receivers – Emeka Egbuka, Jalen McMillan and the likes – getting bigger roles, the roster has become a showcase for emerging talent. That left Shepard on the outside looking in, and he chose not to sit on the sidelines.

On July 24, 2026, Ravens reporter Brian Whacker tweeted that Shepard was among four wideouts who participated in a tryout at Baltimore’s training facility. The former Buccaneer ran routes, took snaps and showed the coaching staff he still had a feel for the game. While the Ravens ultimately signed Tampa native Chris Moore from the same tryout group, Shepard’s name remains on their radar.

Shepard’s most recent NFL highlight came in 2025, when he snagged a late‑game touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks – a 38‑35 victory that gave Tampa Bay a much‑needed win. That play, like many of his career moments, underscored his reliability in clutch situations.

Now, with Baltimore’s preseason camp about to kick off and the Bucs opening their own training camp on July 28, Shepard faces a familiar crossroads for veterans: prove he can still contribute or contemplate the next chapter, whether that’s another tryout, a practice‑squad role, or life beyond the field.