Shilo Sanders was an unusually popular undrafted free agent for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this offseason, but his fame made sense because of the football family he’s a member of. In the end, his tenure with the Bucs was short lived, as he was waived on roster cutdown day, and wasn’t re-signed to Tampa Bay’s practice squad.
Sanders didn’t get any immediate looks from any other teams after he cleared waivers, but that recently changed. On Tuesday, the San Francisco 49ers brought the rookie safety in for a workout. If Sanders impressed San Francisco, he could soon be signed by the NFC West team. That would give the safety the opportunity to face off against his former team when Tampa Bay hosts the 49ers in Week 6.
49ers work out former Buccaneers safety Shilo Sanders
Sanders, who entered the league after playing for his father Deion Sanders at Colorado, did his part in impressing Tampa Bay’s coaches while on the team. Head coach Todd Bowles frequently praised Sanders’ work ethic, and his commitment to special teams. In the end, though, the young defensive back didn’t make enough plays to secure a spot in a crowded Buccaneers safety room. It also didn’t help that he was ejected early in the final preseason game for an on-field altercation.
Since being waived, Sanders has remained in Tampa, a community that he quickly won over after arriving. With an active social media presence, the defensive back has continued to learn the community, while also staying ready for another football opportunity, but being open to exploring his off-field talents as well.
Sanders’ next football opportunity has arrived, and he could end up as a member of the San Francisco 49ers — either on the active roster or the practice squad. If that happens, Shilo Sanders could be back in Tampa Bay as an opponent.