Real reason Shilo Sanders signed with Tampa Bay Buccaneers revealed

Shilo Sanders knew there was a chance he would go undrafted this year. The Colorado safety sat back and watched names fly off the board while trying to encourage his brother, Shedeur Sanders, who had one of the most notable draft slides in NFL history.

When the 2025 NFL Draft was over, Shilo was quick to sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. For good reasons after they had to address their struggling pass defense. The Bucs wasted no time making improvements with Todd Bowles and staff adding depth.

Cornerbacks Benjamin Morrison and Jacob Parrish we're taken as Day 2 selections with Sanders heading to Tampa as an UDFA.

The son of NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders brings a unique combination of football pedigree and experience. Sanders has already embraced the opportunity and quickly committed to the Buccaneers, citing the team’s supportive coaching staff and welcoming environment.

“They gave me a chance before anyone,” Sanders said. “I’m just gonna do everything in my power to help this team win.”

Bowles’ reputation as a secondary specialist makes Tampa Bay an ideal place for Sanders to continue his development. With an All-Pro Antoine Winfield Jr. on the roster, Sanders has a chance to learn from one of the league’s best while competing for a role on the defense and special teams.

Across five college seasons at South Carolina, Jackson State, and Colorado, Sanders racked up 229 tackles, six interceptions, and nine forced fumbles in 54 games. At Colorado, he became known for his ability to create turnovers, scoring two defensive touchdowns during his senior season.

If he continues to grow under Bowles’ guidance, Shilo Sanders could emerge as a valuable piece of Tampa Bay’s secondary and perhaps carve out his own legacy in the NFL.