Why Giants should consider bringing back Sterling Shepard

Giants head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen praised Shepard for his leadership.

"He's an energy giver. He lifts everybody up: coaches, players, staff members. Just a great teammate," Daboll said, via Giants Wire's Tyler Henry.

"Love Shep. He's awesome. Juice guy all the time. He's one of my favorites here. He's been a tremendous resource around here for us," Schoen added, per Anthony Rivardo of Empire Sports Media.

Shepard told The New York Post that he "very badly" like to remain with the Giants. "This is my second home. I've never lived anywhere else in my life, never been a part of another program." 

The Giants desperately need depth in their wide receiver room. Keeping Shepard may increase New York's odds of an Odell Beckham Jr. reunion, as the two and Saquon Barkley remain close friends. Who knows if Beckham can still provide that lift he once did, but adding another wide receiver to the mix can't hurt an already-limited unit.  

Based on what's being said, it appears the Giants would like Shepard to return next season. It's just going to come down to numbers. If Shepard is interested in taking a team-friendly deal this spring, expect him back with Big Blue. When healthy, he's as dependable as any slot receiver in the league, and when not, he's still one of the best leaders in that locker room. The last thing New York wants after a phenomenal season is to damage the culture — something Shepard is part of building.