Shilo Sanders Waived by Buccaneers but Future Still in Play
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers informed rookie safety Shilo Sanders on Sunday that he has been waived, according to his agents Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey. Both remain optimistic that Sanders will be picked up on waivers by another team, keeping his NFL journey alive.
Roster Cuts Tighten Competition
NFL teams are trimming their rosters to 53 players ahead of Tuesday’s deadline, and Sanders was competing for the fourth and final safety spot in Tampa Bay. He was in a tough battle with Kaevon Merriweather and Rashad Wisdom for depth behind Antoine Winfield Jr., Tykee Smith and Christian Izien.
Signed by the Buccaneers after going undrafted out of Colorado, where he played for his father, Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, Shilo entered training camp with a reputation as a hard-hitting, playmaking safety. His strong debut in Tampa Bay’s preseason opener showed flashes of that potential.
Preseason Setback
Sanders’ opportunity narrowed Saturday night in the Bucs’ 23-19 preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills. In the second quarter, he was ejected after throwing a punch at tight end Zach Davidson following a heated exchange. He was also flagged earlier in the game for pass interference.
Head coach Todd Bowles addressed the incident after the game:
“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.”
What’s Next for Sanders
While the setback is clear, it does not close the door on Sanders’ professional career. If unclaimed on waivers, Tampa Bay could still add him to the practice squad. That path would allow him to continue learning the system and developing his game at the NFL level.
The 24-year-old still has the instincts and physicality that drew attention out of Colorado. For Sanders, this moment may serve less as an ending and more as an early career lesson — one that could strengthen his discipline and sharpen his edge for the next opportunity.
