Shilo Sanders‘ NFL journey has always carried the weight of high expectations. As the son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, every snap, every tackle, and every missed opportunity is viewed under a microscope. Now, after signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent, the pressure is mounting once again.
As the regular season draws closer, Sanders finds himself in a familiar spot for undrafted rookies. While he’s had moments of promise throughout training camp and preseason action, Buccaneers insider Scott Reynolds doesn’t believe the former Colorado safety has done enough yet to lock down a spot on Tampa Bay’s 53-man roster.
“Sanders looks like a practice squad safety right now and really needs to show up with a big play or two against Buffalo in the preseason finale in order to make his case for inclusion in the 53-man roster,” Reynolds wrote in an article published Sunday by Pewter Report.
Sanders made his preseason debut against the Tennessee Titans on August 9, where he recorded one solo tackle and a quarterback hit. While it was a solid introduction to NFL speed, it wasn’t the kind of standout performance that shifts roster conversations.
He followed it up with another appearance on Saturday against the Pittsburgh Steelers, logging two solo tackles after entering in the third quarter. Again, steady but not spectacular, especially in a league where fringe roster players often need explosive plays to grab attention.
The Bucs’ safety room is already crowded with experienced talent and promising younger players, meaning Sanders is battling both numbers and perception. While coaches have praised his work ethic behind the scenes, production on the field will be what ultimately matters in determining his roster fate.
A defining moment awaits in the preseason finale
The stakes for the final preseason game couldn’t be higher for Sanders. Tampa Bay’s last exhibition, set against the Buffalo Bills, may be his final audition not just for the Buccaneers, but for teams across the league evaluating potential waiver wire pickups and practice squad additions.
What the Bucs‘ coaching staff needs now is not just consistency, but impact, something Sanders hasn’t quite delivered yet.
A timely interception, a crucial fourth-down stop, or a game-changing special teams play could turn the tide. Without that, the practice squad may be the most realistic next step in his development.
Read the full article here
