Buccaneers Coach Gives Honest Take on Shilo Sanders’ Chances to Make Team

Shilo Sanders could have a career outside of football in a minute. But the older, less-heralded son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders may still catch onto an NFL roster in 2025.

Though an undrafted free agent on the reigning NFC South champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sanders still has a chance to play the club, according to head coach Todd Bowles.

Like his brother, and Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders, Shilo fell from his projected pre-draft position and was not chosen by an NFL team among the first 257 picks in April. But he caught on with the Buccaneers in hopes of making the team as a safety.

Shilo played six college football seasons split between South Carolina, Jackson State and Colorado. In his four FBS seasons, Shilo had 170 tackles, two defensive touchdowns, one sack, five forced fumbles, four tackles for loss and one interception in 34 games.

What Did Todd Bowles Say About Shilo Sanders?

The Bucs defensive backfield is loaded, led by All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr., who is in the second season of a four-year, $84 million contract he signed after the 2023 season.

Winfield had 60 tackles, two sacks and three passes defended in nine games with Tampa Bay in 2024 and is expected to play strong safety, with Christian Izien as the free safety.

But Izien was also an undrafted free agent who earned a three-year contract after making the team in his draft year in 2023. Still, Izien and Winfield were low graded by Pro-Football Focus in 2024, plus every team needs depth.

So according to Bowles, Sanders is showing his capabilities at practices and in the team’s meeting rooms.

“He’s coming along. He’s getting the scheme down. He’s made plays like everybody else back there,” Bowles said Thursday. “There are a few tests that come up during the preseason – Tuesday night was one, and the other three preseason games and practices will be others.

“He’s got a chance to make it.”

So you’re telling me there’s a chance?

Sanders will get his first chance to show the coaches and front office members of his capabilities in joint practices against the Tennessee Titans starting Thursday. The Bucs will then host the Titans in each team’s first preseason game at Raymond James Stadium on Aug. 9.

Will Shilo Sanders Make the Buccaneers?

Typically, undrafted free agents have the worst odds of making a roster, which is understandable. The club has nothing invested in that player and therefore has nothing to lose by cutting said player.

But, as Izien proves, the Bucs have a penchant for keeping around undrafted free agents.

Still, Sanders’ age and money may be the two things that work against him — but not necessarily in the way that some think. Sanders signed a contract with the Bucs in the off-season, but there was no money guaranteed, which makes it easy to get out from under.

Plus, Sanders’ college journey through the two trips through the transfer portal — through three conferences and two separate levels of college ball — plus a COVID year. At 25, he’s the same age as Izien, and the latter has two full years of NFL play under his belt.

So Sanders is a bit behind. But we predict he’ll make the Bucs practice squad out of training camp.