It happened fast. One minute Shilo Sanders is flying downhill in a preseason game, trying to prove he’s more than just a famous last name, and the next, he’s headed to the locker room early. Most people saw the headline—Shilo Sanders cut Tampa Bay Buccaneers—and assumed it was just the typical "undrafted guy doesn't make the cut" story.
But it was way messier than that.
If you followed the Colorado Buffaloes during the "Coach Prime" era, you know Shilo was the enforcer. He’s the guy who hits so hard he gives himself (and the other guy) a headache. He brought that same "Headache Gang" energy to Tampa Bay after going undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft. For a few weeks in training camp, it actually looked like he might stick. Todd Bowles, the Bucs' head coach, even gave him some rare public praise. Then came August 23, 2025.
The Punch Heard 'Round Tampa
The Buccaneers were playing the Buffalo Bills in their preseason finale. This is the "moving day" of the NFL calendar. For a guy like Shilo, who was battling five other safeties for a backup spot, this game was everything.
Early in the second quarter, things got heated. Shilo was tangled up with Bills tight end Zach Davidson. Standard football stuff, really—some pushing, some jersey-tugging. But then Shilo did the one thing you cannot do when you’re on the roster bubble: he threw a punch.
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The flags flew instantly. The referees didn't even hesitate. Shilo was ejected on the spot.
Watching him walk off the field at Raymond James Stadium, you could almost feel the roster spot slipping away. Todd Bowles is a defensive mastermind, but he’s also a "no-nonsense" kind of guy. He doesn't have a high tolerance for penalties that hurt the team, especially from rookies who haven't earned their stripes yet. After the game, Bowles didn't mince words. He called the ejection "inexcusable."
Basically, you can't help the team from the locker room. Less than 24 hours later, the news broke: Shilo Sanders was waived.
Why the Buccaneers Didn't Keep Him on the Practice Squad
Usually, when a high-profile undrafted free agent gets cut, they end up on the practice squad. It’s a way for the team to keep developing them without using a 53-man roster spot. But the Bucs didn't do that. They let him walk entirely.
Honestly, it wasn't just the punch. While Shilo had some highlights—like a massive hit on a Tennessee Titans quarterback earlier in the preseason—his overall stats weren't screaming "must-keep." He finished the preseason with just three tackles across three games.
On top of the lack of production, there were the usual "Sanders family" distractions. Between his brother Shedeur’s high-profile draft season and Shilo's own off-field headlines (including a $164,000 lawsuit and a bankruptcy filing that had been trailing him since his Colorado days), the baggage was starting to outweigh the on-field benefit.
The Buccaneers eventually filled that safety depth by signing Marcus Banks to the practice squad in November. That move pretty much signaled the end of any hope for a Shilo-Tampa reunion.
The Competition Shilo Couldn't Beat
To be fair to Shilo, the Bucs' secondary was a tough room to crack in 2025. He was competing against established names and high-upside rookies:
- Antoine Winfield Jr. (The clear superstar)
- Tykee Smith
- Christian Izien
- Kaevon Merriweather
- Rashad Wisdom
When you're the sixth or seventh guy on that list, you have to be perfect. Throwing a punch in the second quarter of a must-win preseason game is the opposite of perfect.
What’s Next for Shilo?
So, where is he now? Since the Shilo Sanders cut Tampa Bay Buccaneers news settled down, he’s been a bit of a football nomad.
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He had a workout with the San Francisco 49ers in late September 2025, but no contract materialized. His agent, the legendary Drew Rosenhaus, has been shopping him around, but the NFL is a "what have you done for me lately" league. Right now, the tape shows an aggressive safety with discipline issues and an aging profile (he's already 25).
If the NFL doesn't call back soon, there are other paths. The Toronto Argonauts of the CFL actually hold his exclusive negotiating rights. If he wants to keep playing and put some fresh, "clean" film out there, going North might be his best bet.
Interestingly, Shilo hasn't seemed entirely stressed about it. On his YouTube channel and in various interviews, he’s mentioned he’s open to acting, modeling, or even music. Some critics say that’s a sign he’s not "all-in" on football, but others see it as a smart move for a guy who knows the NFL stands for "Not For Long."
Actionable Takeaways for the "Next Step"
If you’re a fan or a scout wondering if Shilo can still make it, here is the reality of his situation:
- Discipline is the Priority: Any team that signs him will need to see that the "punch" incident was a one-off. He needs to prove he can play with "controlled" aggression.
- Special Teams is the Doorway: Shilo’s best path back to a 53-man roster isn't as a starting safety; it’s as a core special teams player. He has the frame (6'0", 195 lbs) and the physical nature to excel there.
- Watch the CFL/UFL: Keep an eye on the Toronto Argonauts' roster or the UFL's 2026 spring season. If Shilo signs there and stays out of trouble, an NFL team will almost certainly give him a look for their 2026 training camp.
The talent is there, and the pedigree is undeniable. But in the NFL, being Deion's son only gets you through the door—it won't keep you in the building if you're throwing punches in the preseason.