In 2025, several veteran wide receivers are poised to lose significant targets, impacting their fantasy value. As new talents emerge in the NFL, players like Kendrick Bourne and Sterling Shepard will find themselves with fewer opportunities. Their declining roles may lead to disappointing fantasy outcomes for owners looking for consistent production. Understanding how the influx of youth affects these veterans is crucial for drafting and managing fantasy rosters.

Targets are everything in fantasy football, and as younger receivers take their place, veterans often face diminished roles. This evolution of the roster creates tough decisions for fantasy managers, who must evaluate the potential of rising stars against the waning effectiveness of established players. Tracking the changes in target distribution will be key for savvy fantasy players preparing for the next season.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are gearing up for a competitive 2025 season, armed with an impressive offense featuring Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans, coming off record-setting performances. However, there are whispers about potentially cutting Sterling Shepard, who played a supporting role as a spot starter in 2024, despite his connection to Mayfield as a former college teammate. The Buccaneers' depth at wide receiver raises questions about whether Shepard could be the odd man out in a talent-rich roster as they look to make room for new assets.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers enter the 2025 NFL season with a formidable wide receiver corps featuring All-Pro veterans and promising young talents. Mike Evans, in the final year of his contract, remains a key figure with 11 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, while Chris Godwin's recent extension solidifies his position as a versatile and dependable player. However, concerns linger about Evans' future due to age and cap implications.

The drafting of first-round pick Emeka Egbuka indicates a commitment to long-term success, showcasing a bright future alongside the emerging Jalen McMillan, who made a significant impact last season. Complementing this duo are rookie Tez Johnson and veterans like Sterling Shepard, adding depth and competition heading into a fierce roster battle. The Bucs have strategically managed their cap space while assembling a receiver group primed to excel and keep the offense competitive.

Sterling Shepard is set for another season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after signing a new deal for 2025. He previously joined the team on a one-year contract to kickstart his NFL career following time with the New York Giants. During the 2024 season, Shepard began on the practice squad but quickly moved up to become the Buccaneers' primary third receiver. He finished the season with 32 receptions for 334 yards and one touchdown, along with 69 yards on eight carries.

Shepard's collegiate career at Oklahoma was stellar, highlighted by a Big 12 Championship and a College Football Playoff appearance alongside Baker Mayfield in 2015. His family legacy looms large; his father, Derrick, also played at Oklahoma. This connection may have influenced Mayfield's push to bring Shepard to Tampa Bay last offseason.