It is not easy being overshadowed by your brother, but Shilo Sanders is battling for every moment in the spotlight. While Shedeur Sanders gets plenty of attention at quarterback, Shilo is fighting for a roster spot with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Every defensive snap and special teams play could be his ticket to stick around, or his reason for looking for work elsewhere. With one week left before final cuts, no one really knows what comes next for the undrafted rookie. But everyone is watching.
What Are Shilo Sanders’ Chances of Making the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Roster?
The road for Shilo has not been smooth, but he is still suiting up for Tampa Bay. He is competing for time at defensive back, or at the very least, trying to show enough to help on special teams. So far, things have been dicey, but he is still on the roster. Even if his stat sheet has not filled up, his presence is felt each time he steps onto the field.
When asked about Shilo’s chances of making the final cut, Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles gave a classic, careful answer that only added to the suspense.
“Shilo is very aggressive, very young, and very hungry,” Bowles said. “He can make plays in the box and run down to give us 100% on special teams. This last week is going to be very important for those guys to show up.”
Shilo Sanders just sent a MESSAGE in his NFL debut that he belongs in this league.
• 37 total defensive snaps (3rd on team)
• 23 coverage snaps
• 0 targets
• 0 receptions allowed
• 0.0 passer rating allowed
• 1 QB hit
• 1 total tackle
Sanders was reportedly “making his… pic.twitter.com/pQya7tahxC
— Rookie Watch (@RookieWatxh) August 10, 2025
Meanwhile, changes to the secondary have shaken up the competition. The Bucs have released and lost players to injury, clearing out some space at defensive back. Still, Sanders has not put together a string of consistent performances.
I can confirm Bucs rookie safety J.J. Roberts is going on injured reserve with a season-ending knee injury. Had shown great promise in training camp. Second tough rookie loss, with OLB David Walker. @PewterReport had the news first.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) August 16, 2025
With the depth chart changing, Sanders has mainly played in the second half, getting reps against other backup units. Even in those situations, he has only shown flashes, without the eye-catching plays or big hits he delivered in college.
His stat line against the Steelers showed two solo tackles, but no jaw-dropping moments. Of course, not every roster decision comes down to stats. For defensive backs, sometimes it is about doing the little things right, and coaches take notice of that.
Bowles pointed out that Sanders’ reputation in college came from toughness and run-stopping, not interceptions. Across 34 college games, he piled up tackles but only grabbed one interception, showing a willingness to get physical in the middle of the field.
He now has a short window, one more week of practice, before Tampa Bay lines up for its last preseason game against the Buffalo Bills.
The injuries in the secondary have cracked open the door for Sanders. The more he is out there, the more chances he gets to change opinions and prove he belongs on the 2024-25 Buccaneers roster.
The Buccaneers host the Bills on Saturday, Aug. 23, at 4:30 p.m. ET.
