The rumors about the Sanders family and the City of Bridges have been swirling for a couple of years now. Ever since Deion Sanders took over at Colorado and turned his sons, Shedeur and Shilo, into the most talked-about prospects in the country, the NFL rumor mill hasn’t stopped spinning. You’ve probably seen the headlines or the TikTok edits. People were convinced—absolutely certain—that Mike Tomlin would bring that Colorado energy to the AFC North.
So, let’s get straight to it. Did Shilo Sanders get picked up by the Pittsburgh Steelers? The short answer is no. As of January 2026, Shilo Sanders is not a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers. He wasn't drafted by them, and despite a wave of speculation after he was released by his first NFL team, the Steelers didn't put in a claim.
Honestly, the "Shilo to Pittsburgh" narrative was always more about the vibes than the actual roster needs. People love the idea of Mike Tomlin, a coach known for his "player's coach" reputation and affinity for high-pedigree talent, mentoring the son of Prime Time. But the reality of the NFL is a lot colder than a viral tweet.
The 2025 Draft: A Long Weekend for the Sanders Family
To understand why everyone keeps asking about the Steelers, you have to look back at the 2025 NFL Draft. It was a weird one for the Buffaloes.
Shedeur Sanders, who many projected as a top-five pick or even the potential No. 1 overall, saw a shocking slide. He eventually landed with the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round (pick No. 144). While that was happening, Shilo was sitting there waiting for a phone call that never came.
The Steelers had plenty of chances. They had picks in the late rounds where a hard-hitting safety like Shilo usually goes. They passed. Every other team passed too. Shilo ended up going undrafted.
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Shortly after the draft ended, Shilo signed as an undrafted free agent (UDFA) with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It seemed like a decent fit. Todd Bowles is a defensive-minded coach, and the Bucs needed some secondary depth. He signed a three-year deal worth about $2.9 million, though only a tiny fraction of that—around $1,500—was actually guaranteed. That’s the life of a UDFA. You're fighting for your life every single practice.
The Tampa Bay Incident and the Release
Shilo’s time in Tampa was short-lived and, frankly, a bit chaotic. He survived the initial waves of cuts and was making some noise in training camp. Scouts noted his "head-on" tackling style, something he clearly inherited from his dad’s era of football, even if Deion was more of a cover corner.
Everything changed during a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills on August 23, 2025.
Shilo got into it with Bills tight end Zach Davidson. It wasn't just a typical football scuffle. Shilo threw a punch, got flagged for unnecessary roughness, and was promptly ejected from the game. Todd Bowles didn't hold back in the post-game presser, calling the move "inexcusable."
Three days later, on August 26, the Buccaneers waived him. The NFL later tacked on a $4,669 fine for the punch. Just like that, Shilo was a free agent again.
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Why the Steelers Rumors Resurfaced
This is where the Pittsburgh connection caught fire again. When Shilo hit the waiver wire, the "Steelers Nation" corner of the internet went nuts.
- The Tomlin Factor: Mike Tomlin has a long-standing relationship with Deion Sanders.
- Safety Depth: At the time, Pittsburgh was looking for bodies to fill out the depth chart behind Minkah Fitzpatrick.
- The Betting Odds: Interestingly, sportsbooks like Hard Rock actually listed Pittsburgh as one of the favorites to land Shilo after his release.
But here is what most people get wrong: just because a team is a "betting favorite" or a "logical fit" doesn't mean a contract is being signed. The Steelers had the opportunity to claim him off waivers. They didn't. They had the opportunity to sign him to their practice squad once he cleared waivers. They didn't do that either.
Instead, the Steelers stuck with their veteran depth, including guys like Myles Killebrew (who is more of a special teams ace) and DeShon Elliott. They basically signaled that while they respected the talent, the "extra stuff" that comes with the Sanders brand—and the recent ejection—wasn't something they wanted to add to the locker room at that moment.
Where is Shilo Sanders now?
Since being cut by Tampa and ignored by Pittsburgh, Shilo’s professional path has been quiet. There were whispers about him potentially looking at the UFL to get more tape, but as of early 2026, he remains a free agent.
It’s a tough spot. He’s 25 years old, which is "old" for an NFL rookie. He has a physical playstyle that teams like, but the discipline issues in the preseason and the legal baggage from his past (like the 2016 lawsuit involving a high school security guard that resurfaced during his college years) have made front offices hesitant.
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The Pittsburgh Steelers are famous for their "Standard is the Standard" mantra. While they take chances on big personalities (think Antonio Brown or George Pickens), those players usually have elite, undisputed Pro Bowl-level production to balance the scales. As an undrafted safety, Shilo just didn't have the leverage to make the Steelers overlook the headaches.
What to Watch For Next
If you're still holding out hope for Shilo to wear the Black and Gold, don't hold your breath for this season. However, the NFL moves fast.
- Look for a 2026 Training Camp Invite: Shilo’s best bet is to land a "Reserve/Future" contract or a tryout invite when camps open up again.
- The UFL Route: Don't be surprised if he pops up in the spring league. A season of disciplined, high-level film would do wonders for his reputation.
- The Shedeur Connection: Shedeur is currently with the Browns. If Shilo ever does get a shot in the AFC North, it’s just as likely to be as a depth piece in Cleveland where his brother is already established.
The dream of Shilo Sanders playing for Mike Tomlin makes for great sports talk radio, but for now, it’s just that—a dream. Pittsburgh has moved in a different direction, focusing on stabilizing their secondary with veterans rather than taking a flyer on a high-profile rookie with a lot to prove.
If you are tracking Shilo’s status, the most important thing to watch is the NFL Transaction wire on Wednesdays. That is usually when teams bring in players for "street free agent" workouts. Until his name appears there next to "Pittsburgh," he remains on the outside looking in.