Deion Sanders reacts as son Shilo sends message to Bucs

Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Shilo Sanders. Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Deion Sanders reacts as son Shilo sends strong message to Buccaneers

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics | By Heena Singh | Last updated Sep 5, 2025 2:17 PM ET

Shilo Sanders is searching for his next NFL opportunity after being released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the end of the 2025 preseason.

The safety was unable to secure a spot on the 53-man roster after being ejected in the team’s final preseason game for throwing a punch at Bills tight end Zach Davidson. While Tampa Bay gave Sanders his first NFL chance, his social media activity suggests the split may not have been amicable.

After getting released, Sanders unfollowed the Buccaneers on Instagram. He’d been posting preseason highlights before, but now he’s gone radio silent, sending a clear hint that a return to the NFC South squad isn’t happening. Fans hoped for a reunion, but Shilo’s moves make it clear he’s ready to move on.

On Sept. 3, Deion Sanders shared a heartfelt message on Instagram for his son, Shilo Sanders, following the safety’s release from the Buccaneers.

“Stop telling folks what you’re gonna do & just do it. Stop over promising & under delivering. We’d rather surprise than the letdown. You are an incredible individual therefore you don’t have to come with a commercial telling folks what you’re gonna do. Go! #CoachPrime,” Deion wrote, signaling support amid Shilo’s uncertain NFL future.

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Now a free agent, Sanders is weighing his next move. The NFL remains the ultimate goal, but the CFL could be an option, as Toronto already has the right to discuss with him.

With Deion Sanders backing his son and Shilo ready to chase new opportunities, fans and analysts are keeping a close eye. His social feeds show a mix of competitive fire and the leftover tension from his short Buccaneers stint.

Shilo's $1,572 Buccaneers payday vs. Shedeur’s guaranteed Browns salary

Shilo Sanders walked away with just $1,572 in guaranteed money after being released by the Buccaneers before the 2025 NFL season. Although he initially signed a three-year, $2.965 million deal, the safety earned only a fraction before the Bucs cut him, leaving him a free agent at 25.

His younger brother, Shedeur Sanders, is experiencing a different start with the Cleveland Browns. Shedeur signed a four-year, $4.64 million contract, including $447,380 guaranteed, and made Cleveland’s final 53-man roster for the 2025 season. His average annual salary of $1.16 million breaks down to roughly $64,547 per game over 18 weeks of the regular season.

While Shilo’s NFL future remains uncertain, Shedeur’s guaranteed earnings and roster spot highlight the stark contrast between the Sanders brothers’ early professional experiences.

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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