In a shocking preseason shake-up, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have officially waived rookie safety Shilo Sanders — less than 24 hours after the 25-year-old was ejected for throwing a punch during Saturday night’s preseason clash with the Buffalo Bills.
The altercation erupted on August 23, 2025, during the Bucs’ preseason finale when Sanders, son of NFL legend Deion “Prime” Sanders, got tangled with Bills tight end Zach Davidson at the line of scrimmage. After what appeared to be fingers caught in his facemask, Sanders retaliated with a swing — earning an immediate ejection and the wrath of Tampa Bay head coach Todd Bowles, who didn’t mince words.
“That’s inexcusable. There’s no place for that on this team,” Bowles said in his postgame presser.
A Short-Lived NFL Stint
By Sunday morning, August 24, the Buccaneers made it official: Sanders was waived as the team trimmed its roster down to 53 ahead of the regular season.
For Sanders, who signed with Tampa Bay earlier this year as an undrafted free agent following the 2025 NFL Draft, the move abruptly ends what was shaping up to be his best chance to crack an NFL roster. His release underscores just how slim the margin of error is for rookies fighting for roster spots.
Family Legacy & High Expectations
As the son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, who currently serves as head coach at the University of Colorado, Shilo has lived much of his football journey under the weight of sky-high expectations.
After splitting his college career between South Carolina and Colorado, Sanders entered the league touted for his physicality, versatility, and coverage skills. Scouts believed he could thrive on special teams while developing into a solid depth piece in the secondary.
But Saturday’s punch may have overshadowed those strengths.
What’s Next for Shilo Sanders?
While his Tampa Bay chapter has ended before it truly began, Sanders’ NFL future isn’t necessarily closed. His agents, Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey, expressed optimism that another team could scoop him off waivers.
“Shilo has all the tools to succeed in this league. We’re confident this won’t be the last time you see him on an NFL field,” Rosenhaus told reporters.
Fans React
Social media lit up following news of Sanders’ release, with many pointing out the irony of a player nicknamed “Prime Jr.” getting cut for a lack of discipline — something his father famously preached against.
Some fans defended him, noting Davidson’s role in the incident after appearing to grab Sanders’ facemask. Others, however, argued that retaliation is rarely forgiven in the NFL, especially for undrafted rookies with no guaranteed roster spot.
The Bigger Picture
For the Buccaneers, the move sends a clear message about accountability as they prepare for the 2025 regular season. With limited roster spots and a culture built around discipline, Bowles made it clear that no player is bigger than the team — even one carrying the Sanders name.
As for Shilo, the next 48 hours will be crucial. If unclaimed on waivers, he could find himself searching for practice squad opportunities, hoping for another chance to prove that one mistake won’t define his NFL career.
Do you think Shilo Sanders deserves another shot in the NFL, or did the Buccaneers make the right call?