It is no secret that the New York Giants have undergone some major changes to their roster this offseason. It seems wide receiver Sterling Shepard is now looking to step for this new-look Giants team.

New York made headlines with their decision to trade wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. to the Cleveland Browns. According to Michael Eisen of the team website, Shepard is ready to take his place as the leader in the receiving corps:

“I’m ready,” Shepard said. “With Odell going down the last two seasons [with injuries], that time definitely helped me get a grasp of what being a leader is all about, and being that lead guy in the room. I think it prepared me for this moment. I was pretty vocal anyway. I’m a pretty vocal guy. That will be no problem.

“I’m no longer a young guy. I’m a vet now. This contract says a lot, so I’m going to handle it the right way.”

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Beckham's departure essentially made way for the Giants to sign Shepard to a four-year extension this week. It is clear he is hoping to provide New York with plenty of bang for their buck as both a leader and the No. 1 option in the passing game moving forward.

The Giants initially selected Sterling Shepard in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He has since managed to show plenty of promise as a complementary option in the passing game. The 26-year-old enjoyed a career year after finishing the 2018 campaign with 66 receptions for 872 yards and four touchdowns.

Shepard is now expected to take on an increased role as the top option in the passing game. Although the Giants have since managed to sign wide receiver Golden Tate in free agency, he can expect the coverage to be a bit tighter with Beckham no longer on the field.