Shilo Sanders Cut: Buccaneers Release Shedeur’s Brother

Shilo Sanders’ Release marks a setback for the young safety’s NFL aspirations. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers waived Sanders on August 24, 2025, following an ejection from a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills. The incident, coupled with existing challenges in a competitive secondary, significantly impacted his chances of securing a roster spot.

Buccaneers’ Decision

The Buccaneers’ decision to waive Shilo Sanders came swiftly after his ejection from the preseason game. According to reports, Sanders was ejected for throwing a punch at Buffalo Bills tight end Zach Davidson. This act of aggression proved costly, as it occurred during a period where Sanders was already facing an uphill battle to make the final 53-man roster.

Todd Bowles, the Buccaneers’ coach, addressed the situation, stating that such behavior is “inexcusable.” Bowles emphasized the need for players to learn from their mistakes and demonstrate better discipline. His comments, as reported by multiple outlets, underscore the seriousness with which the Buccaneers organization views on-field conduct.

Details of the Incident

The ejection of Shilo Sanders occurred during a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills. Details from various media outlets, including NFLTradeRumors.co and Yahoo Sports (via Associated Press), confirm that Sanders threw a punch at tight end Zach Davidson. This action resulted in an immediate ejection from the game.

Prior to the ejection, Sanders had also committed a pass interference penalty during the same game. This combination of penalties further compounded the situation, highlighting the challenges he faced in maintaining composure and executing effectively on the field. The Times of India also carried the story, emphasizing the global reach of NFL news and the scrutiny faced by players.

Impact on Sanders’ Roster Chances

Shilo Sanders, an undrafted rookie safety from Colorado, entered training camp with the Buccaneers facing considerable competition for a roster spot. The team’s secondary is known to be competitive, with several established players vying for limited positions. Sanders needed to demonstrate consistent performance and disciplined play to improve his odds.

The ejection significantly diminished his chances of making the 53-man roster. As noted by Daily Independent – YourValley.net, the incident raised concerns about his ability to maintain composure under pressure and adhere to team standards. The Buccaneers, like all NFL teams, place a high premium on discipline and character, particularly when evaluating players on the fringes of the roster.

Coach Bowles’ Perspective

Coach Todd Bowles’ remarks following the incident shed further light on the team’s perspective. His statement that throwing punches is “inexcusable” sends a clear message about the organization’s expectations for player conduct. Bowles’ emphasis on the need for players to “grow from that” suggests that the Buccaneers are willing to offer opportunities for redemption, but only if players demonstrate a commitment to learning and improving their behavior.

Bowles’ comments, widely reported across various sports media platforms, reflect a broader emphasis on accountability and professionalism within the Buccaneers organization. Teams often use preseason games as an opportunity to evaluate players’ potential and assess their fit within the team culture. Incidents like Sanders’ ejection can significantly impact those evaluations.

The Sanders Family in the NFL

Shilo Sanders’ journey to the NFL has been closely followed, in part due to his family connections. He is the brother of Shedeur Sanders, who was drafted by the Cleveland Browns. The Sanders family, led by their father, Deion Sanders, has a prominent presence in the football world. Shilo’s signing with the Buccaneers generated considerable interest, given his family’s legacy in the sport.

While Shilo’s release from the Buccaneers represents a setback, it does not necessarily mark the end of his NFL career. Undrafted rookies often face challenges in securing roster spots, and many find opportunities with other teams or through practice squad positions. Sanders’ athleticism and potential may still attract interest from other organizations willing to give him a second chance.

Looking Ahead

The Buccaneers’ decision to waive Shilo Sanders underscores the importance of discipline and composure in professional football. While Sanders possesses the physical attributes to compete at the NFL level, his actions during the preseason game ultimately proved detrimental to his roster chances. The incident serves as a reminder of the high standards of conduct expected of NFL players, both on and off the field. The incident highlights the impact of Discipline and Consequences.

For Shilo Sanders, the focus now shifts to learning from this experience and seeking opportunities to demonstrate his potential to other teams. The NFL is a league of second chances, and with a renewed commitment to discipline and professionalism, Sanders may yet find a path back to the field. The Buccaneers, meanwhile, will continue to evaluate their roster and make decisions that they believe will best position the team for success in the upcoming season.