The Sa͏nde͏͏r͏s ͏name carries weight ͏͏in͏ football ͏circles,͏ ͏͏but for͏ Sh͏ilo Sa͏nd͏e͏rs,͏ the͏ challenge is͏ ͏proving ͏he͏ belongs on his own͏ ͏merit. ͏The rookie ͏safety is ͏͏still͏ searching ͏͏for ͏stability ͏with͏ the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, ͏where ͏͏his preseason performances have ͏draw͏͏n ͏both cautious praise ͏and ͏lingering uncertainty.
With final roster cuts looming, his future in Tampa Bay or elsewhere remains unsettled.
Shilo Sanders’ Preseason Struggles and a Possible Saints Opportunity
After going undrafted in 2025, Sanders signed with the Buccaneers, joining a secondary anchored by Antoine Winfield Jr. and Tykee Smith.
According to Scott DiBenedetto of PFSN, Sanders has played sparingly this preseason, totaling just three tackles. Those modest numbers leave his roster status in doubt, but he has one last chance to convince Tampa Bay’s front office before cut day.
According to PFSN’s Sean Neumann’s article, head coach Todd Bowles acknowledged Sanders’ traits, calling him “very aggressive, very young, and very hungry” while adding, “He can make plays in the box and run down to give us 100% on special teams.”
Bowles’ comments highlight the thin margin for players like Sanders, who must excel not only on defense but also in special teams contributions.
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
The Buccaneers’ secondary has already seen movement due to injuries and releases, which has slightly opened the door for Sanders. Yet, as Neumann reported, he has mostly played in the second half of preseason games, facing backup competition.
If Tampa Bay decides to move on, potential suitors could emerge quickly. DiBenedetto pointed out that the New Orleans Saints may be a possible landing spot. While the Saints added Justin Reid and Julian Blackmon this offseason, expectations for the team are tempered, and depth pieces could prove valuable.
For Sanders, the path might be special teams, where his energy and aggressiveness could carve out a niche.
Shilo Sanders during joint practice vs. the Titans 👀
(via @gucceCU)pic.twitter.com/g0uCaF0zL9
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) August 7, 2025
Looking deeper, the Saints could actually be a natural fit. Their defensive identity has often relied on physicality and depth in the secondary. Sanders’ tackling-first mentality and willingness to contribute on coverage units align with that philosophy.
In a transitional year for New Orleans, a player with his energy could help stabilize special teams and provide insurance behind the starters.
The Saints also present an intriguing wrinkle. As a divisional rival to the Buccaneers, a move across the NFC South would keep Sanders close to the team that first gave him a chance. That possibility makes his final preseason test against the Buffalo Bills all the more critical for shaping his NFL future.
