Chiefs' Shilo Sanders silence speaks volumes after Tampa Bay release

The NFL's waiver wire claims have been made and processed. Some players returned to the clubs that cut them at the 53-man roster deadline in a game of logistical gymnastics or went elsewhere. Meanwhile, others weren't as fortunate to get another opportunity, namely undrafted free agent rookie safety Shilo Sanders.

Sanders was cut by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ahead of the league-wide trim-down. The four-time defending NFC South champions have already replaced him, though that doesn't mean someone else can't benefit from his services. Several teams could use help in the back end of the secondary, including the Kansas City Chiefs, who were middling against the pass in 2024. The only problem? He went unclaimed, which is telling.

Chiefs tell us what they think about Shilo Sanders without saying a word

Kansas City, the Buccaneers, and 30 other franchises effectively told us what they think of Sanders by not even taking a flier on him. The fact that he's still available and potentially safety-needy teams like the Chiefs aren't biting says it all. His last memory in Tampa Bay will be a preseason ejection, and rival front offices ostensibly took notice.

A Kansas City defense that allowed the 13th-highest completion percentage and 15th-most passing yards last season lost starter Justin Reid to the New Orleans Saints. Yes, the Chiefs have a servicable trio in Bryan Cook, who's in his contract year; Jaden Hicks, who is ready for more reps; and Chamarri Conner. They can hold their own, especially with a strong cornerback duo of All-Pro Trent McDuffie and free-agent acquisition Kristian Fulton in front of them. Nevertheless, the Chiefs lack depth at the safety spots, which Sanders could theoretically provide.

The problem is that it's a veteran voice that's missing, if anything. The Chiefs can lean on Christian Roland-Wallace as a versatile option, if needed, but that doesn't replace Reid's expertise. The Chiefs re-added veteran Mike Edwards to their practice squad shortly after releasing him, giving them a familiar face. Unlike Sanders, the two-time Super Bowl champion is an established commodity, which is more up their alley in terms of positional need.

Just because Sanders checks a technical box doesn't mean he solves Kansas City's problems. He can physically fill a void for the Chiefs. However, as an organization with perennial title aspirations, they presumably want a proven option with experience. Conner recently turned 25, and Cook will be 26 in September. The son of football legend Deion "Prime Time" Sanders fits in age-wise, but does general manager Brett Veach want to lean into a youth movement?