The NFL window has not closed on Shilo Sanders, but the path forward has become more complicated.
The former Colorado Buffaloes defensive back, who signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in April, was one of the first players cut ahead of Tuesday’s roster deadline. The decision came just days after Sanders was ejected from the Bucs preseason finale for throwing a punch at Buffalo Bills tight end Zach Davidson.
Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles addressed the incident bluntly, calling the action “inexcusable” and a mistake young players must learn from. For Sanders, it was a costly misstep, especially given his standing as a third-string safety fighting for a roster spot. The team’s release of the 25-year-old does not necessarily end his NFL chances. He remains eligible for the Bucs practice squad or a potential opportunity with another team. However, it was an early setback for the NFL legacy.
Deion Sanders shows support for his son during his weekly press conference. The Hall-of-Famer detailed Shilo’s resilience and preparation. “I’ve prepared my kids for any and everything that could possibly happen in life and in sports,” he said. “He is mentally where he needs to be. Physically where he needs to be. We’re praying that he gets another opportunity… Shilo is a man of many talents.”
> Coach Prime reaction to the news of Shilo Sanders being cut by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers [pic.twitter.com/UD7tNs2uyF](https://t.co/UD7tNs2uyF)
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> — NoSkoZone (@noskozone) [August 26, 2025](https://twitter.com/noskozone/status/1960394609953267929?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
The tough-rooted background has defined Shilo’s career. He began at South Carolina before transferring to Jackson State and later Colorado, where he developed into a hard-hitting. safety. Despite battling injuries, which included a broken forearm and offseason shoulder surgery, he was among Colorado’s most productive defenders over the past two seasons, leading the team in tackles in 2023 and ranking third in 2024.
The NFL’s evaluation process can be unforgiving. For Sanders, his college production and physical style remain intriguing for teams, but will that outweigh his recent ejection and a history of injuries? Not to mention, there is still a $11.8 million default judgement he's trying to discharge in bankruptcy court.
While Deion Sanders hopes his middle son gets a second chance to show what he can bring at the professional level, there is still not a clear path. But his NFL story is not over; it is simply paused and awaiting the next chapter to be written.