Rookie safety Shilo Sanders has been cut loose by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, his agents confirmed Sunday. Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey told ESPN’s Adam Schefter they are still hopeful another NFL squad scoops Sanders up off waivers before rosters are finalized. Teams are busy making cuts this week to reach the 53 man limit by Tuesday.
The decision came less than 24 hours after Sanders was tossed from Tampa Bay’s preseason matchup against the Buffalo Bills. The 25 year old was ejected in the second quarter after throwing a punch at tight end Zach Davidson during a heated exchange. Linebacker John Bullock attempted to calm him down as head coach Todd Bowles watched the situation unfold on the sideline.
Bowles made his feelings clear after the 23 to 19 loss. “You can’t throw punches in this league that’s inexcusable,” the coach said. “They’re going to get you every time. You’ve got to grow from that.” Sanders also drew a flag earlier in the game for pass interference.
Before being waived, Sanders had been battling for a roster spot behind Antoine Winfield Jr., Tykee Smith and Christian Izien. He was in competition with Kaevon Merriweather and Rashad Wisdom for the last safety slot. The Bucs had picked him up as an undrafted free agent, hoping his game could develop despite the long odds of making the roster.
The rookie is the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, who now has both of his sons tied to CFL teams. On Sunday, the Toronto Argonauts added Shilo to their negotiation list, giving them the exclusive Canadian rights to the defensive back. Back in April, they claimed quarterback Shedeur Sanders, making the brothers part of the Argos’ future pipeline.
CFL clubs can hold rights to up to 45 players on their negotiation lists. This system does not require consent from the athletes, and in many cases players do not even realize their names have been added. Those rights only become active if the team offers a minimum contract and the player accepts.
For now, Shilo Sanders’ immediate future remains in the NFL waiver process. He finished the preseason with four tackles in three games. If he clears waivers, he could still find himself on a practice squad, or he may have to consider alternative options if no franchise extends an offer after Tuesday’s cutdown deadline.