While much of the preseason spotlight has centered on Shedeur Sanders and his pursuit of a roster spot — and perhaps even a starting role — with the Cleveland Browns, his older brother Shilo Sanders is quietly grinding for his own NFL opportunity down in Florida.
The 25-year-old defensive back is currently in Tampa Bay Buccaneers camp, working to earn a place in the team’s secondary rotation. Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles spoke Thursday about Sanders’ progress, noting that the former Colorado safety has flashed enough to stay in the conversation for the team’s final 53-man roster.
“He’s coming along. He’s getting the scheme down,” Bowles said, via the team’s official transcript. “He’s made plays like everybody else back there. There are a few tests that come up during the preseason – Tuesday night was one, and the other three preseason games and practices will be others. He’s got a chance to make it.”
Sanders signed with Tampa Bay as an undrafted free agent earlier this offseason after finishing his college career with the Buffaloes. Over six collegiate seasons — including stints at South Carolina and Jackson State before transferring to Colorado — Sanders built a reputation as a physical defender and playmaker. In his final year at Colorado, he tallied 67 tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack, two passes defensed, a forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries, including one returned for a touchdown.
In Tampa, Sanders finds himself battling for depth spots in a young secondary headlined by All-Pro Antoine Winfield Jr. and Tykee Smith, who shifted from nickel to safety last season. While the top of the depth chart appears set, the back end remains open for competition — particularly for players who can contribute on special teams and show playmaking ability in preseason games.
Adding a personal dimension to his NFL quest, Hall of Famer and father Deion Sanders recently made a visit to Buccaneers training camp to check in on Shilo’s progress. The elder Sanders’ presence provided a moment of motivation and family support as his son tries to carve out his own path at the professional level.
Ultimately, as Bowles hinted, it will come down to whether Sanders can keep making plays under the lights. While coaches can say every player on a 90-man roster “has a chance,” the upcoming preseason games will serve as the real proving ground. If Sanders can impress, he could secure a coveted spot on Tampa Bay’s initial roster — or at the very least earn a place on the practice squad, either in Tampa or with another NFL team.
For now, the door remains open — and Shilo Sanders’ NFL dream is very much alive.
