The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have decided to part ways with undrafted rookie safety Shilo Sanders as part of their roster reduction to meet the NFL’s 53-player limit by the August 26, 2025 deadline. The move, reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, comes on the heels of a controversial incident during the team’s final preseason game against the Buffalo Bills on August 23, 2025, where Sanders was ejected for throwing a punch at Bills tight end Zach Davidson.
Adam Schefter on X (formerly Twitter): “Buccaneers informed rookie safety Shilo Sanders today that he is being waived, per his agents Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey, who added, “we’re hoping he gets claimed on waivers.” pic.twitter.com/b81byFvdJR / X”
Buccaneers informed rookie safety Shilo Sanders today that he is being waived, per his agents Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey, who added, “we’re hoping he gets claimed on waivers.” pic.twitter.com/b81byFvdJR
Shilo Sanders, the son of Colorado head coach and NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, joined the Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in April 2025 after a notable college career at South Carolina, Jackson State, and Colorado. Over five collegiate seasons, Sanders amassed 229 tackles, six interceptions, and nine forced fumbles across 54 games, showcasing his knack for big plays. At Colorado, he led the team in tackles in 2023 with 70 and recorded 67 tackles in 2024 despite missing three games due to a broken forearm.
Sanders quickly became a fan favorite in Tampa Bay, drawing larger crowds for autographs than even franchise stars like Mike Evans. His hard-hitting style was evident in his NFL preseason debut against the Tennessee Titans, where he delivered a significant hit on quarterback Brandon Allen, forcing an incompletion. However, his performance waned in subsequent games, and his ejection in the preseason finale proved costly.
During the second quarter of the Buccaneers’ 23-19 loss to the Buffalo Bills, Sanders engaged in an altercation with Zach Davidson after a play. Davidson’s block, which included contact with Sanders’ helmet, prompted Sanders to throw a punch, leading to his immediate ejection. Head coach Todd Bowles called the action “inexcusable,” emphasizing that such behavior is unacceptable in the NFL.
Bowles had previously noted Sanders’ potential, praising his aggression and special teams contributions. However, with established safeties like Antoine Winfield Jr., Tykee Smith, and Christian Izien already locked into the roster, Sanders was competing with Kaevon Merriweather and Rashad Wisdom for the final safety position. His ejection, coupled with a modest preseason stat line of four tackles and a quarterback hit, likely tipped the scales against him.
Despite the release, Sanders’ NFL journey may not be over. His agents, Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey, expressed hope that he could be claimed off waivers by another team. If unclaimed, Sanders could return to the Buccaneers’ practice squad, though posts on X suggest skepticism about this possibility due to his preseason performance and the ejection. Alternatively, Sanders’ college production and athleticism could attract interest from other NFL teams looking for secondary depth.
Off the field, Sanders faces additional challenges. He filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in 2023 to address a $11.89 million judgment stemming from a 2015 incident involving a former school security guard. This legal matter, still active, adds complexity to his professional aspirations.
Sanders’ release marks the end of a brief but eventful stint with the Buccaneers. His early promise, highlighted by a standout pass breakup during training camp that ignited fan support, was overshadowed by a critical lapse in judgment. As the Buccaneers prepare for the 2025 season as NFC South favorites, Sanders must now look to continue his “underdog story” elsewhere, carrying the weight of his famous last name and the determination to carve his own path in the NFL.
