The Sanders family legacy continues to find its way into the NFL, even if not exactly as planned.
Shilo Sanders, a Colorado safety, didn’t hear his name called during the 2025 NFL Draft.
But disappointment quickly turned to opportunity when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed him as an undrafted free agent, giving him a chance to prove himself in the NFL.
He faces the uphill battle many undrafted players confront, trying to impress coaches enough during training camp to secure a coveted roster spot.
FOX Sports insider Greg Auman offered some encouraging analysis about Sanders’ prospects with Tampa Bay:
“Safety is a position where the Bucs lack established depth — didn’t draft one this year, so Shilo Sanders isn’t up against as much. They might carry [Jacob] Parrish and [Christian] Izien at nickel, so likely one less safety as a result. He has a shot though,” Auman wrote on X.
Safety is a position where the Bucs lack established depth — didn’t draft one this year, so Shilo Sanders isn’t up against as much. They might carry Parrish and Izien at nickel, so likely one less safety as a result. He has a shot though. https://t.co/mhuIE7Z1li
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) April 28, 2025
What’s noteworthy is how quickly the Buccaneers moved to bring Sanders aboard.
Despite passing on him during the draft, they made sure to secure his services on the same day Shedeur Sanders ended his draft journey.
Tampa Bay’s draft strategy might work in Shilo Sanders’ favor.
The team bolstered its secondary by selecting cornerbacks Benjamin Morrison in the second round and Jacob Parrish in the third round.
Because they play cornerback rather than safety, Shilo Sanders’ path to making the roster is viable.
The current safety depth chart features Antoine Winfield Jr., Tykee Smith and Kaevon Merriweather.
The Buccaneers haven’t added any other undrafted safeties to the mix yet.
With an impressive work ethic and the football pedigree that comes with being Deion Sanders’ son, Shilo Sanders has real potential to make the team.
