NFL Insider Gives Reality Check to Shilo Sanders After Ex-Colorado Star Signs $2,965,000 Contract With Buccaneers

Shilo Sanders is officially headed to the NFL — and he’s making sure people notice. After going undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft, the former Colorado safety signed a three-year deal worth $2.965 million with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It’s not a blockbuster contract, but it is a real shot — and Sanders is walking in with something to prove.

The move instantly picked up traction online, especially after Deion Sanders publicly thanked the Bucs. But while fans hyped the deal, NFL insider Greg Auman jumped in with a quick reminder: the money’s there, but the job isn’t guaranteed. And that distinction matters.

What Does Shilo Sanders’ Contract Actually Mean?

At first glance, Sanders’ deal — three years for $2.965 million — looks substantial. Naturally, fans assumed that kind of money meant he had a roster spot locked down. But Auman quickly set the record straight on X: “Shilo Sanders signed the same deal nearly all NFL undrafted rookies sign — three years at league-minimum salaries… there’s little assurance of anything in terms of job security.”

In short? It’s a standard undrafted free agent deal — the kind most UDFAs get.

Shilo Sanders’ intelligence and vocal leadership reportedly “turned the head” of Todd Bowles (Buccaneers HC) throughout rookie minicamp.

Sanders’ footwork was also reportedly “maybe the most impressive” of any rookie safety that participated in practice.

Sanders has an advanced… pic.twitter.com/sffymJiTHs

— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) May 14, 2025

When someone asked if that at least meant Sanders had a spot on the practice squad, Auman explained it doesn’t work that way. “Bucs had 3 undrafted rookies get $250,000-$300,000 in guarantees this year,” he said. “Even with those, it can be covered with practice-squad salary. Sometimes it’s offset — if a player is cut and lands on another squad, that satisfies the guarantee.”

That said, Auman did note something interesting. Because Tampa Bay is thin at safety, Sanders could make the practice squad — or maybe even sneak onto the 53-man roster. It’ll come down to how he performs, not what his contract says.

Shilo’s Betting on Himself — And Tampa Might Be the Right Place

Sanders knew this might happen. He went into the draft knowing he could go undrafted, and when it became clear that was the case, he didn’t hesitate. The Buccaneers needed help in the secondary, and he saw the opportunity.

Tampa wasted no time rebuilding a pass defense that struggled last season. They drafted cornerbacks Benjamin Morrison and Jacob Parrish on Day 2, then scooped up Sanders after the draft. It wasn’t a PR move. It was about depth and upside.

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“They gave me a chance before anyone,” Sanders said. “I’m just gonna do everything in my power to help this team win.”

And honestly, there’s a lot to like about this fit. Todd Bowles has a strong track record with defensive backs, and with All-Pro Antoine Winfield Jr. already in the room, Sanders will be surrounded by the right mentors. There’s room for growth here — both on special teams and defense.

Can He Build His Own Legacy?

Sanders isn’t just riding on his father’s name. Over five college seasons — spent at South Carolina, Jackson State, and Colorado — he tallied 229 tackles, six picks, and nine forced fumbles across 54 games. At Colorado, he stood out for his knack for forcing turnovers and even scored twice on defense during his senior year.

Now, it’s about carving out a spot. His base salary for 2025 is $840,000, and that’s what he’ll count against the cap. It’s modest, sure, but the real value lies in what he can become.

If Sanders takes advantage of this opportunity and continues to develop under Bowles, there’s no reason he can’t write his own story in the league — one that stands separate from the legend of his last name.

What Did Shilo Sanders’ Scouting Report Say?

From the PFSN Mock Draft Simulator, Sanders’ scouting report indicated the potential that he had, despite playing in the shadow of players like Travis Hunter and his own family members: brother Shedeur Sanders and father/coach Deion Sanders.

Sanders has been operating in the shadows of his brother but has flashed potential throughout his career. The safety prospect was a 2025 NFL Combine snub, but he reportedly ran a 4.52-second 40-yard dash at his pro day. Paired with his 6’0”, 195-pound frame, there is the build and speed to work with.

However, Sanders has an extensive injury history, including an ACL tear, and lacks physicality when tackling. The Buffaloes’ defensive back is far too loose as a tackler and has a lack of twitchy movement in coverage.