Just one day after being ejected for swinging at a player, Shilo Sanders has reportedly been waived by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The team made the decision on Sunday, according to multiple reports, ending the rookie safety’s short stint in Tampa Bay. Sanders, the son of Hall of Famer and current Colorado coach Deion Sanders and the brother of rookie Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders, signed with the Buccaneers in April after going undrafted. Despite a three-year deal worth nearly $3 million, he will not make the final roster.
Shilo played under his father at Colorado before entering the NFL draft. After going undrafted, he removed his father as his agent and hired Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey, who ultimately secured his spot in Tampa. The two agents told ESPN’s Adam Schefter they are hopeful another team will claim him off waivers.
The move comes less than 24 hours after Shilo was ejected from the Buccaneers’ preseason finale against the Buffalo Bills. During the game, Bills tight end Zach Davidson aggressively blocked Shilo, leading to a heated exchange. In frustration, Sanders threw a punch directly in front of an official, drawing an immediate penalty and disqualification.
Head coach Todd Bowles did not hold back after the game.
“You can’t throw punches in this league. I mean, that’s inexcusable. They’re gonna get you every time. Gotta grow from that,” he said.
Shilo finished the preseason with four total tackles across three games. Beyond football, he is also facing legal troubles, including an $11 million judgment from an assault case dating back to high school, for which he filed for bankruptcy in 2023.
For now, Shilo’s NFL future is uncertain as he waits to see if another team takes a chance on him.
