Training camp is nearing, and with a few more weeks of dead time during the quietest part of the NFL offseason, Chargers Wire is endeavoring to document each of Los Angeles’ players before it kicks off.
The Chargers signed wide receiver Darrius Shepherd last month.
Shepherd went undrafted in 2019 out of North Dakota State. He spent two seasons with the Packers, appearing in 14 games mostly as a kick returner over that time.
Shepherd spent time on the practice squads of the Cardinals, Vikings, Steelers and Broncos over the 2021 and 2022 seasons before getting taken by the Battlehawks in the XFL Draft last November.
Shepherd had a productive campaign in the XFL, finishing fourth in the league in receptions (48), seventh in receiving yards (519) and tied for second in touchdowns (six).
He made plenty of noise as a kick returner, racking up a league-leading 907 kick return yards en route to being named the XFL’s Special Teams Player of the Year.
Los Angeles’ decision to sign Shepherd was solely for special teams, as he is expected to offer some competition for the return specialist spot with Derius Davis.
Contract (2023): Shepherd signed a 1-year, $940,000 contract, including an average annual salary of $940,000.
Acquired: The Chargers signed Shepherd on June 1, 2023.
Highlight:
Darrius Shepherd is having some fun in the XFL. Had a big week last week including a touchdown, tonight a big kick return. The former #NDSU standout even got a shoutout from The Rock on Twitter. pic.twitter.com/Vul1ZBrcy6
— Dom Izzo (@DomIzzoWDAY) March 19, 2023