Source says Pats wanted Sterling
Sterling Shepard’s contract extension with the Giants is especially important because a trade to the Patriots was a real possible alternative.
Bill Belichick and the Pats had interest in Shepard this offseason, according to a source, as a deadly new weapon for ageless six-time Super Bowl winner Tom Brady.
It would have been a logical fit, too, which is why the idea of this prudent pursuit gained steamed through the spring in rumblings from the Daily News to ESPN and NFL Network.
Rob Gronkowski’s retirement, Josh Gordon’s suspension and uncertain status, and Chris Hogan’s free agency left the Patriots in need of reliable receivers.
The Pats missed out on former Buccaneers free agent slot wideout Adam Humphries, who signed with the Titans despite a reported lastditch effort by New England that beat Tennessee’s offer.
The Patriots had also shown interest in Odell Beckham Jr. last year upon learning the Giants would listen, and now they were a possible landing spot for Shepard, too.
The Giants, though, demonstrated in this new contract how much they value Shepard, 26. His four-year, $41 million extension with $21.3 million guaranteed includes a $10 million signing bonus.
That beat Humphries’ strong fouryear, $36 million deal with $19 million guaranteed, including a $10 million signing bonus from the Titans.
The Giants love Shepard’s toughness, versatility and leadership. Head coach Pat Shurmur is a big fan. They believe Shepard can help them get back on the winning track.
It’s also a bit sweeter keeping Shepard, knowing the Giants’ gain is the Patriots’ loss.
GIANTS SIGN EX-COLT, AAF D-BACK
The Giants on Thursday signed Henre’ Toliver, a 6-foot-1, 185-pound defensive back, to a one-year contract. Toliver (first name pronounced “AhnREY”) played nickel for the Colts in the 2018 NFL preseason as an undrafted rookie. Recently, he started and played mostly safety for the Salt Lake City Stallions in the now-defunct Alliance of American Football. Toliver, 22, originally from Marrero, Louisiana, played his college ball at Arkansas.