Wanted

The Buccaneers’ 2015 special teams captain has an invitation to return to Tampa Bay in 2016.

NFL Network and USA Today are reporting that wide receiver/gunner Russell Shepard was given a “right of first refusal” restricted free agent tender by the Bucs today. It’s one year for $1.67 million. Another team could exceed the offer and the Bucs would get a chance to match it.

Shepard turns 26 in September and does his special teams job well, and that’s the Bucs’ only interest here. Shepard seems to fit the role of No. 5 or No. 6 receiver reasonably well, but that doesn’t say much.

Joe could see another team making a move on Shepard. Joe knows some NFL types consider him a borderline Pro Bowl special teams player. Maybe someone with cap room wants an upgrade in that department.