The NFL is all about second chances and split-second decisions. For some rookies, one mistake can flip everything in an instant. Now, Shilo Sanders finds himself looking for answers after a high-profile start to his first preseason with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and a sudden shot of uncertainty about what comes next.
What Does Shilo Sanders’ Tampa Bay Release Mean for His Future?
Jordan Schultz broke the news that the Buccaneers chose to waive rookie Sanders, the undrafted rookie safety . Schultz added that several teams around the league are currently searching for help at safety, so Sanders is not out of chances quite yet.
A few clubs need safety help — there’s a possibility Shilo Sanders is claimed. https://t.co/vt6CQmLKmd
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) August 24, 2025
This situation now leaves the rookie in limbo, just waiting to see if another team will take a shot on him or if his path moves to a practice squad role instead.
Zahid Rashid of PFSN broke down just how much attention Sanders got because of his family name. Yet making the jump from college to the NFL has always been tough, and stability is far from guaranteed.
While his brother, Shedeur Sanders, was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round, Shilo signed on with Tampa Bay as an undrafted free agent. That meant he had to prove himself every day just to stick around.
At first, Sanders showed some spark. In his preseason debut against the Tennessee Titans, he made headlines by laying a hit on quarterback Brandon Allen.
Here is the play that got Shilo Sanders ejected. pic.twitter.com/7LRplnywzo
— Evan Closky (@ECloskyWTSP) August 24, 2025
Rashid called it his one true highlight, though the energy faded quickly. Against the Steelers, Sanders registered a couple of tackles but failed to deliver the kind of big defensive plays that get coaches’ attention, like sacks, forced fumbles, or defended passes.
The situation took another turn in Week 3 when Tampa Bay played the Buffalo Bills. Rashid reported that Sanders managed just one tackle, but the bigger storyline was an ejection after an altercation with tight end Zach Davidson.
Davidson had been blocking downfield when Sanders, frustrated, threw a punch at Davidson’s helmet. The penalty and ejection completely overshadowed any previous upsides Sanders brought to the field during that game.
Rashid explained that moment may have erased whatever momentum Sanders had managed to build up over the course of the preseason. Plus, any benefit from rookie J.J. Roberts’ injury disappeared after that costly mistake.
Meanwhile, head coach Todd Bowles already had some tough choices to make at safety. Antoine Winfield Jr. locked down the starting job, while Tykee Smith and Christian Izien provided backup. That left Sanders battling Kaevon Merriweather and Rashad Wisdom for a single open roster spot, a fight his preseason tape didn’t help him win.
To make things harder, while Sanders quickly became a fan favorite with his outgoing personality and community work, Rashid pointed out that earning game reps from Bowles was a different challenge entirely.
With Schultz confirming the release, Sanders is looking at two immediate options: find a practice squad role or land a waiver claim from another team looking for help at safety.
