Shilo Sanders was abruptly released over the weekend. It was the culmination of a confluence of poor play in training camp and preseason games, and finally, a poorly timed explosion of frustration represented by a punch he threw at Buffalo Bills tight end Zach Davidson.
He’s a free agent again, and while some think his outburst on Saturday night could ruin or even end his career before it starts, the reality is that many teams need healthy bodies because of depth problems caused by injuries.
One of those teams has been touted as a candidate for a big bounce-back season and a potential Super Bowl run.
Which Potential Super Bowl Contender Could Use Shilo Sanders?
Sports Illustrated’s Grant Cohn thinks the San Francisco 49ers would make a good landing spot for Sanders.
“These are the Niners with 17 healthy players, and safety might be one of the worst positions. No, safety is one of the worst positions on the team,” Cohn reasons. “Is Shilo Sander worse than Ji’Ayir Brown? I don’t know. Richie Grant’s Hurt. Jason Pinnock is on his third team. Shilo Sanders might be their best safety right now, other than Marquis Siegel.”
The 49ers should sign Shilo Sanders. pic.twitter.com/roaCBqq0Tu
— Grant Cohn (@grantcohn) August 25, 2025
Pinnock is dealing with a nagging heel injury that has limited his participation in practice. Grant was signed to a one-year contract to back up Malik Mustapha, but Mustapha is in danger of missing the start of the regular season.
And because of these developments, Cohn thinks the Niners would be wise to call on Sanders. “I mean, there is real potential here for a guy like Shilo Sanders,” Cohn added. “So, yeah, sign him. Call them up. Call up Deion. Call up Shilo. Call up Shedeur. Call up Barry Sanders. Anyone named Sanders could be on this team right now.”
Sanders would be a healthy addition to the roster. Still, the Niners would also be working with a player who needs a lot of coaching and is probably more suitable as a developmental player for the taxi squad than as a serviceable starter or even backup.
Sanders came out of college with a reputation as a big hitter who needed work on his pass defense, but could be a big help in run support. However, even that aspect of his game failed to materialize in three preseason games.
If a team is willing to overlook his preseason outburst of frustration and be patient with him, Sanders could find himself on a roster sooner rather than later.
