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The New York Giants have made some adjustments at the wide receiver position, cutting Brandon Marshall after just one season. This creates an opportunity for Sterling Shepard to grab a major role alongside All-Pro wideout Odell Beckham Jr.
With that in mind, Shepard is hoping to show the Giants that he can be more than just a slot receiver in the passing game next season, according to Jordan Raanan of ESPN.
“That’s been that way since college,” Shepard said. “I feel like I’ve proven that I can play outside and just try to handle my business. I know that I can play outside, and we will soon see.”
In his first two seasons, Shepard has been primarily used as a slot receiver, playing 83 percent of his snaps in that spot in his rookie year and 75 percent this past campaign. The 24-year-old was on his way to a breakout year, but his time on the field was limited due to nagging migraines. He finished with 59 receptions for a team-best 731 receiving yards in 11 games played, including three 100 receiving yard performances that were topped by a career-high 11 catches for 142 receiving yards in Week 10 against the San Francisco 49ers.
Shepard was thrust into a more prominent role due to the massive amount of injuries at the wide receiver position, and he was able to excel in the extended role. The departure of Marshall could open the door for him to take a big role outside opposite of Beckham Jr. while becoming one of quarterback Eli Manning's favorite targets.
