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Shilo Sanders’ $2.9M Contract with the Buccaneers Sparks Strong Reaction from Deion Sanders

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated May 22, 2025 12:34 PM ET

Going into the 2025 NFL draft, there were many who thought Colorado Buffaloes safety Shilo Sanders could be selected in one of the later rounds.

However, his name was never called, and he instead wound up landing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent and was presented with an opportunity to make the team.

Even without a guarantee to be with the Buccaneers by the start of the regular season, he inked a three-year, $2.9 million contract with the team, which drew a strong reaction from Deion Sanders, his father and head coach of the Buffaloes.

"I’m so Proud of @shilosanders!" Deion said via an Instagram post. "He’s focused, dedicated & hungry. I can’t wait to see the product he puts on the field. They have REAL PURPOSE & yall know why. #Dad/CoachPrime."

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A post shared by @COACHPRIME (@deionsanders)

Shilo Sanders' best years at the collegiate level came with Colorado (2023 and 2024); he appeared in 21 games, accumulating 137 tackles, three tackles for loss, one interception, five pass deflections and five forced fumbles.

Unfortunately for him, though, making Tampa Bay's 53-man roster is viewed as a long shot by many, as Evan Winter of A to Z Sports predicts that Sanders will eventually be left on the outside looking in.

There's still time for him to make a strong impression, though, as every NFL team is not required to have their roster trimmed down until Aug. 27.

Of course, Shilo isn't Deion Sanders' only son to sign a rookie deal, as quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who was selected with the No. 144 pick by the Cleveland Browns, is now under a four-year, $4.6 million contract.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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