Where is Shilo Sanders? Why Buccaneers' undrafted free agent signing isn't playing for Tampa Bay

Billy Heyen

Where is Shilo Sanders? Why Buccaneers' undrafted free agent signing isn't playing for Tampa Bay image

Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Shilo Sanders hasn't gotten to travel a straightforward NFL path.

It looked like he'd get a chance when he was a priority undrafted free agent signing of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the 2025 NFL Draft's conclusion.

But it hasn't been that simple.

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Where is Shilo Sanders?

As of Week 7 of the 2025 NFL season, Shilo Sanders is a free agent.

He was ejected from the preseason finale for throwing a punch, and the Bucs cut him not long after. He hasn't even gotten onto a practice squad since then.

For now, the best Sanders can do is keep seeking an NFL contract. The best he could likely get at some point as a rookie would be a spot on a practice squad, where he'd have to prove he belongs.

If Sanders wants to leave the NFL, the CFL is an option. There, the Toronto Argonauts hold his negotiating rights.

There are other lower-tier football leagues, too.

If Sanders isn't signed this season, he can likely find a spot in a spring league, the UFL, when the calendar turns to 2026. Maybe that'd be his best shot to show he belongs in pro football.

Deion's son has strong genes, of course. But he was only a solid college player, not a great one. Maybe the NFL is just a bit too high a level for him, especially if he brings with him concerns about his on-field behavior.

Shilo was even removed from the Madden video game.

It seems EA Sports left Sanders in for a couple months while waiting to see if he'd latch on with a new team in real life, but since he still hasn't, he doesn't necessarily have a spot in the NFL video game.

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Editorial Team