The Tampa Bay Buccaneers seemingly decided to get out of the Sanders family business, as they parted ways with UDFA safety Shilo Sanders. Unlike younger brother Shedeur Sanders, who is widely expected to be retained by the Cleveland Browns, Shilo has now found himself on the open market.
The Bucs will likely try everything in their power to make sure that they can keep Sanders on the practice squad. However, there may be teams interested in taking a chance on a player who flashed more talent in the preseason than some skeptical fans may have assumed he had at first glance.
These three teams will be in the market for some extra defensive back depth, and they could have the infrastructure needed to bring on Sanders and work on ironing out some of the rough spots in his game.
3 teams who could sign Shilo Sanders after Bucs release UDFA
3. New York Jets
The Jets have a very impressive defense for a team not projected to do a ton of winning in 2025, but the safety spot remains an area of weakness. Despite Malachi Moore flashing in the preseason, projected starters Tony Adams (a UDFA himself) and free agent Andre Cisco looked wholly out of sorts at times.
Going to a strong-willed coach who himself was a former defensive back in Aaron Glenn could be the best thing for Sanders if he is not retained by Todd Bowles. Sanders may end up getting some roster time on a Jets team that is looking anywhere and everywhere for more additions.
2. Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs actually have a connection that could help Sanders find a new home. Before following his father to Jackson State and Colorado, Sanders attended South Carolina. Chiefs outside linebackers coach Rod Wilson was on that Gamecocks staff in 2020, and he could put in a good word.
The Chiefs have been able to develop multiple Day 3 NFL Draft picks into quality starting defensive backs under defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, and Sanders could be the next developmental project on that side of the ball for Andy Reid to start cooking with.
1. Denver Broncos
While Sanders would have a tough time cracking one of the best defenses in the league, it might be advantageous for him as a player to head to a unit led by one of the best individual coordinators in the league in Vance Joseph. Having Sean Payton as a head coach certainly helps.
Learning from Joseph and DPOY Patrick Surtain II could be invaluable for Sanders. Going back to Colorado, which has become a second home for Sanders after a productive end to his college career, might make it even more appealing for him to head over to Denver.