If you’ve been scrolling through social media lately, you’ve probably seen the chatter. The name Sanders carries a lot of weight in the football world, and when it’s Deion’s son, the spotlight is basically a permanent fixture. People have been asking: did the Bucs release Shilo Sanders?
The short answer? Yes.
But like anything involving the Sanders family, the story isn't just a transaction on a waiver wire. It was a chaotic few months in Tampa that ended with a punch, a fine, and a lot of "what ifs." Honestly, it’s one of those NFL stories that feels like it belonged on a reality show rather than a standard sports broadcast.
The Long Road to Tampa Bay
Shilo Sanders didn’t take the traditional path to the NFL. While his brother Shedeur was the high-profile quarterback prospect, Shilo was the gritty, hard-hitting safety who played for three different colleges. He started at South Carolina, moved to Jackson State to play for his dad, and then followed him again to Colorado.
By the time the 2025 NFL Draft rolled around, scouts were torn. He had the physical edge and the "Headache" nickname for a reason—he hits hard. But his coverage skills and a few injuries over the years made teams hesitant.
When the draft ended and Shilo’s name hadn't been called, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers stepped in. They signed him as an undrafted free agent (UDFA) in late April 2025. It seemed like a perfect fit. Head coach Todd Bowles is a defensive mastermind who loves aggressive, physical safeties.
That Preseason Game Against the Bills
Everything seemed to be going okay through the early parts of training camp. Shilo was making plays, showing off that Sanders swagger, and fighting for a spot on the 53-man roster. Then came the preseason game against the Buffalo Bills on August 23, 2025.
In the heat of the game, things got ugly. After a play involving Bills' tight end Zach Davidson, Shilo lost his cool. He threw a punch.
In the NFL, that’s a massive no-no. He was immediately ejected from the game. Afterward, Todd Bowles didn't mince words, calling the move "inexcusable." When your coach uses that word while you're an undrafted rookie trying to make the team, you’re basically on thin ice in the middle of a heatwave.
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The Release: Did the Bucs Release Shilo Sanders?
The hammer dropped just a few days later. On August 26, 2025, as teams across the league were trimming their rosters down to the final 53 players, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers officially waived Shilo Sanders.
It wasn't just about the punch, though that certainly didn't help. The Bucs had a deep secondary, and as a UDFA, you have to be nearly perfect to stick. Throwing a punch and getting kicked out of a game is the opposite of perfect. To top it all off, the NFL slapped him with a $4,669 fine for the incident on August 30.
So, to recap the timeline:
- April 26, 2025: Signed as an undrafted free agent.
- August 23, 2025: Ejected for punching a Bills player.
- August 26, 2025: Waived by the Buccaneers during final cuts.
- August 30, 2025: Fined by the league.
Where is Shilo Sanders Now?
Since being released by the Bucs, Shilo has been in a bit of a football limbo. He didn’t get picked up for the Bucs' practice squad, and as of late 2025, he hasn't signed with another NFL team.
He hasn't gone quiet, though. That’s not the Sanders way. He’s been active on his YouTube channel, which has hundreds of thousands of subscribers. He’s also been seen back in Boulder, hanging out around the Colorado program. Deion Sanders has even commented on the situation, saying Shilo is "mentally where he needs to be" and that they have "plans put forward" for whatever comes next, whether that's football or something else.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Cut
There’s a common misconception that he was cut only because of the fight. While the punch was the "look at me" moment that probably sealed his fate, the reality of the NFL is much colder.
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The Bucs were deep at safety with guys like Antoine Winfield Jr. leading the way. For a guy like Shilo to make the team, he needed to be a special teams ace and a reliable backup. When you show a lack of discipline on the field, coaches worry you'll cost them 15 yards in a game that actually matters.
The Sanders Legacy and the NFL
It’s tough being the son of a Hall of Famer. Every mistake Shilo makes is amplified 100x because of his last name. If a random undrafted safety from a small school gets ejected for a punch, nobody talks about it two days later. When Shilo Sanders does it, it’s a national headline.
His bankruptcy filing in late 2023—stemming from a massive $11.3 million judgment related to an incident back in his high school days—also added a layer of complexity to his professional start. It’s been a lot of "extracurricular" noise for a young player trying to find his footing.
Practical Insights for Football Fans
If you're following Shilo's career or wondering if he'll ever make it back to the league, here are a few things to keep in mind:
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- Watch the Waiver Wire: Teams often look for veteran or high-upside depth in the late season or during the following year's camp. If Shilo has been training and stays out of trouble, someone might give him a "prove it" deal.
- The XFL/UFL Route: If the NFL doesn't call soon, the spring leagues are a perfect place for a player like Shilo to prove he can play disciplined football.
- Content Creation: Don't be surprised if he leans harder into media. He has the personality for it, and his brand is already bigger than most active NFL starters.
The Buccaneers moving on from Shilo Sanders wasn't just a football decision; it was a consequence of a high-tension moment that didn't align with the "team-first" culture Todd Bowles demands. Whether he gets another shot at the league or follows a different path, the "Headache" era in Tampa was short, loud, and ultimately, unsuccessful.
Keep an eye on his social media for any "workout" videos or visits to other team facilities. If a team has a sudden injury at safety, his name will likely pop up on the short list of available free agents with high physicality.
Next Steps for Readers
- Check the NFL Transactions Wire: If you want the most up-to-date news on Shilo, following the official NFL transaction log is the only way to know the second he signs a new deal.
- Follow Colorado Football Updates: Shilo is often seen back with his father and Shedeur; his presence there often hints at his next career moves.
- Review Roster Needs: Look at teams with struggling secondaries or poor special teams play; these are the most likely landing spots for a hard-hitting safety.