Photo credit: Sterling Shepard
Sterling Shepard has been released by the Houston Texans as the team finalizes its roster ahead of the 2026 NFL season.
The Texans released the veteran wide receiver Sunday as they trimmed their roster to the league’s 53-player limit. The move was reported by Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2.
Shepard joined Houston on Aug. 21 after working out for the team.
His time with the Texans lasted less than two weeks.
The release puts Shepard back on the open market as he looks for another opportunity before the regular season begins.
Why Sterling Shepard was released
The Texans’ wide receiver room became increasingly competitive during the final stages of the preseason.
Houston also added wide receiver Kayshon Boutte in a trade with the New England Patriots. That move gave the Texans another option at receiver and contributed to Shepard’s release.
The Texans ultimately kept Nico Collins, Kayshon Boutte, Jaylin Noel, Xavier Hutchinson and Jared Wayne on their initial 53-man roster.
Tank Dell was placed on injured reserve with a designation to return and is expected to miss at least the first four games.
With limited roster spots available, Shepard became one of several veteran receivers who did not make the final group.
Sterling Shepard’s 2025 season
Shepard enters free agency after a productive 2025 campaign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The veteran receiver appeared in 13 regular-season games and finished with 39 receptions on 53 targets.
He recorded 371 receiving yards and one touchdown while working primarily in a depth role.
Those numbers show that Shepard can still contribute to an NFL offense, particularly as an experienced option in a receiver rotation.
However, he has not surpassed 400 receiving yards in a season since 2020.
That production could affect the level of interest he receives from other teams.
Shepard could find another NFL opportunity
Despite his release, Shepard could have another opportunity before the 2026 season begins.
Veteran receivers can provide value through experience, route running and familiarity with NFL offenses.
Shepard also has extensive experience at the professional level, which could make him attractive to teams looking for depth.
His next destination will depend on injuries, roster needs and available opportunities across the league.
For now, the 33-year-old receiver is a free agent.
Texans complete roster cuts
Shepard was among several notable players released by Houston as the Texans reached their initial 53-man roster.
The team also released veteran wide receiver Justin Watson, tight end Brevin Jordan and defensive tackle Naquan Jones. Houston waived rookie receiver Lewis Bond and running back Noah Whittington as part of the roster moves.
The Texans’ final roster decisions came after a competitive preseason and several changes to the team’s depth chart.
Houston is now preparing for the regular season with C.J. Stroud leading the offense.
For Shepard, the focus shifts to finding his next team.
After spending only a short time in Houston, he will now wait for another NFL opportunity as teams continue evaluating their rosters before the 2026 season begins.
Source: Houston Chronicle, KPRC 2 and Yahoo Sports.
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