The focus of the NFL world has been on Shedeur Sanders throughout the offseason. From his projected ceiling as a first-round pick to the dramatic draft day slide as a fifth-round pick, fans are following every step of the Cleveland Browns’ offseason to see how good he turns out to be. However, he isn’t the only member of the Sanders family potentially entering the league this season.
Safety Shilo Sanders is also trying to carve out a niche in the NFL. After going undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft, he was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent to shore up a mediocre defense. However, days before their preseason slate officially begins, head coach Todd Bowles has given the first indication of what the future holds for Sanders as a legitimate NFL player.
Will Shilo Sanders Shock the World?
Shedeur’s elder brother, Shilo, spent six years at the collegiate level, trying to build his career on the defensive side of the ball. Starting with the South Carolina Gamecocks, he transferred after two seasons to join his brother and father, Deion Sanders, at Jackson State.
His production also saw a noticeable uptick as his opportunities increased, before the trio left for the Colorado Buffaloes. As they became the sensation of the college football landscape, Shilo clearly showed enough for Tampa Bay to take a flyer on him.
He’s been working with the team throughout the summer and is a constant presence at rookie training camp, OTAs, and mandatory minicamp. Even in training camp, he was regularly visible with the rest of the roster.
However, as September rapidly approaches, Bowles and the rest of the Buccaneers’ front office must decide whether to add the rookie to their roster. Speaking to Greg Auman of Fox Sports, Bowles made glowing remarks about the young safety.
“He’s coming along. He’s getting the scheme down. He’s made plays like everybody back there. There are a few tests that come up during the preseason – Tuesday night was one, and the other three preseason games and practices will be the others.”
You guys ask about Shilo Sanders a lot, so this is what Todd Bowles said today when asked about his progress: pic.twitter.com/IUaSQxPumi
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) July 31, 2025
However, Bowles did not offer a direct answer on the official decision. Instead, he left some hope in the minds of fans who wish to see Sanders suit up for Tampa Bay. “He’s got a chance to make it.”
After a dreadful draft in which it became a possibility that neither of the Sanders kids would see the field, the last few months have been a dramatic transition for the family as a whole. Now, the way Shilo is coming, there is a chance that both brothers will become starters this season.
