You know how people always say a football team is like a family? Well, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers seem to have taken that idea to heart. There’s been a lot of buzz about their room lately. It’s not just about the fancy upgrades, but the vibe among the players. Not every day you hear someone talk about how special their team feels, but one of the Bucs’ veterans has been doing just that. 

Yes, Baker Mayfield‘s go-to wide receiver, Sterling Shepard, is back with the Bucs this season. And he’s fired up, as he noted on his return, “I’m just super excited to be back as a part of this crew, and this group of guys, because I feel like we have something special coming, and we’ve just got to put it all the way together.” His return to the Bucs for another season highlights his belief in the team’s unique chemistry and potential. This decision wasn’t solely about familiarity with the system or ties to quarterback Mayfield. The locker room’s strong bond really had an impact on him— something he hasn’t felt anywhere else in his career.

He straight away said that the locker room was way better than he thought it would be last year. “Being a part of it last year, it was very encouraging to me, which is ultimately the reason I decided to come back just because of knowing the system and being in this system before,” Shepard remarked. After spending eight solid seasons with the NY Giants, Shepard joined the Buccaneers camp for the 2024 season. The Bucs offered him another 1 year, $2,500,000 contract for the 2025 season. And why not? 

In his first season with the Bucs, Shepard had 32 receptions for 334 yards and 1 touchdown, a feat he achieved after failing in the last two seasons with the Giants. His familiarity with Offensive Coordinator Josh Grizzard is a total game-changer. It means that Shepard can just dive right into building chemistry with the team instead of having to learn everything from scratch.

Tampa Bay is buzzing with excitement, and it’s not just about Shepard. The team’s linebacker room got a boost with Anthony Walker Jr., who’s ready to make his mark. Walker brings tons of experience and solid coverage skills. Plus, he already has a connection with Mayfield from their time in Cleveland, making him a great addition to the roster. However, his move to the Big Guava hasn’t been all rainbows and rays of sunshine.

Anthony Walker Jr. claps back 

Anthony Walker Jr.’s landing in Tampa Bay hasn’t been smooth. As soon as he signed a 1-year contract with the Buccaneers, he’s facing scrutiny over his performance stats. However, instead of backing down, Walker stood his ground and portrayed a more realistic picture. At his introductory press conference, he said, “I see all the stuff on social media and everything where people will be like ‘Oh, his PFF grade,’ and all that. I’m here to tell you, you can watch the film; the ball does not get completed in front of me or in the middle of the field.” Pretty confident, right? 

Sure, his PFF grades from last season weren’t great, with an overall score of just 48.0 and a low pass-defense grade of 39.1. Undoubtedly, Walker experienced a slump from 2021 to 2023. A torn quad tendon that required season-ending surgery cut his 2022 season short. His numbers improved in 2024, as he recorded 68 total tackles in 14 games. Not his best, compared to his 2019 season with the Colts (124 total tackles) or his 2021 season with the Browns (113 total tackles). However, it was certainly better than his 2023 season, where he managed just 44 tackles in 12 games.

Critics jumped on him for that, but he’s not letting those numbers get to him. Remember, back in 2022 with the Browns, he had a stellar coverage grade of 90, ranking second among the linebackers. So, it’s not all bad!

It’s wild how much PFF grades can change from season to season! Walker pointed this out himself, saying it’s often better to trust what you see on tape. With Mayfield and the Bucs gearing up for the coming season, both Shepard and Walker sound optimistic. That vibe can really boost the team’s performance and make a strong push for success in 2025.