Shilo Sanders, the older brother of Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders and son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, has been released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers following the 2025 preseason.
Unlike his younger brother, who was selected in the fifth round of the NFL Draft, Shilo entered the league as an undrafted free agent and spent the offseason competing for a spot on Tampa Bay’s roster.
Sanders participated in all offseason activities, including organized team activities (OTAs), training camp, and preseason games.
His dedication to the team and consistent on-field performance gave him a realistic opportunity to earn a position on the Buccaneers‘ 53-man roster.
Despite these efforts, the Buccaneers opted to part ways with him after the final preseason game against the Buffalo Bills.
Options and potential pathways
Following his release, Sanders went unclaimed on waivers, leaving him an unrestricted free agent. He may still have opportunities to join another NFL team, most likely through a practice squad arrangement.
Teams frequently utilize practice squads to develop young talent and evaluate players for potential promotion to the active roster.
The Buccaneers could also consider bringing Sanders back to their own practice squad later in the season, providing a path for him to remain within the organization.
Additionally, the Canadian Football League presents a potential alternative, with the Toronto Argonauts holding exclusive negotiating rights for Sanders.
This could allow him to continue his professional career and gain valuable experience outside the NFL.
Tampa Bay’s decision is particularly notable given the team’s need for depth at the safety position.
Last season, the Buccaneers‘ defense ranked near the league average in PFSN’s Defense+ metric, indicating that opportunities existed for a player like Sanders to contribute.
Sanders played college football at South Carolina before transferring to Jackson State, where he joined his father, Deion, and younger brother Shedeur.
He later followed the Sanders family to Colorado, contributing to the Buffaloes‘ defensive resurgence.
Despite his successful collegiate career, Sanders faced challenges in translating his performance to the professional level.
Throughout the preseason, Sanders showed promise, including productive performances against the Tennessee Titans and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
However, his final exhibition game against the Buffalo Bills significantly impacted his prospects. During the matchup, Sanders was involved in an altercation with tight end Zach Davidson and delivered a punch, resulting in immediate ejection for unnecessary roughness.
Head coach Todd Bowles addressed the incident, stating, “You can’t throw punches in this league – that’s inexcusable. They’re going to get you every time.
You’ve got to grow from that.” The timing and nature of the incident appear to have directly influenced the decision to release Sanders, underscoring the importance of discipline and conduct in professional football.
Despite this setback, Sanders retains opportunities to continue his career. Whether through NFL practice squads or a move to the CFL, his talent and experience provide pathways to remain active in professional football.
The coming weeks will be critical in determining the next step for the former safety as he seeks to reestablish himself in the sport.
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