Shedeur Sanders is obviously the bigger name of Deion Sanders' two NFL sons, but Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive back Shilo Sanders may have a chance of making some noise this coming season under the right circumstances.
Of course, that would require Sanders to actually make the Buccaneers' roster, which could be an exercise in futility for the undrafted rookie. However, Sanders' road to making the team may have just gotten a bit easier. At least that's what Greg Auman of The Athletic thinks.
Auman notes that Tampa Bay's decision to release safety Marcus Banks and to place fellow safety J.J. Robert son injured reserve could open the door for Sanders, who will now be competing with Kaevon Merriweather and Rashad Wisdom for the fourth and final safety slot on the roster.
Sanders began his collegiate career at South Carolina in 2019 and spent two years with the Gamecocks before transferring to Jackson State to play for his father, Deion Sanders, in 2021. He then followed Deion to Colorado in 2023, where Shilo proceeded to spend the last two seasons of his NCAA tenure.
The 25-year-old registered 67 tackles, an interception, four forced fumbles, three passes defended and a defensive touchdown during his debut campaign with the Buffaloes. He then capped off his Colorado career by posting 67 tackles, a sack and a forced fumble in 2024.
A hard hitter who could excel in defending the run on the NFL level, Sanders' coverage skills could definitely use some work, particularly in man-to-man situations. Perhaps he could carve out a role as a depth defensive back on an NFL roster, and that could potentially come on the Buccaneers.
Tampa Bay ranked 29th in pass defense last season, so the Bucs definitely need some help in that department. The Bucs have more issues at the cornerback position - thanks to the decline of Jamel Dean - than safety, but that does not mean Sanders can't help the secondary.
The six-foot, 195-pound Sanders is an impressive athlete who may not be the prospect that Shedeur is at quarterback, but he absolutely has the skills to at least compete on the NFL level, even if that means he will be relegated to a backup role.
The Buccaneers went 10-7 and captured their fourth straight NFC South division title last season, ultimately falling to the Washington Commanders in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs.
Tampa Bay is once again the favorite to take home the division crown heading into 2025.
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