Buccaneers release rookie safety Shiloh Sanders
August 24, 2025 | Source: ESPN
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers released rookie safety Shiloh Sanders from the team on Sunday, his agents told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Agents Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey said they expect an NFL team to pick up Sanders on waivers. NFL teams are currently having to cut players to make their final 53-man roster by Tuesday.
Reason
The decision came a day after Sanders was ejected from the field in the third preseason game (against the Buffalo Bills) after punching tight end Jack Davidson in the second quarter after a scuffle while blocking .
Although Bucks linebacker John Bullock tried to calm him down, coach Todd Bowles was unhappy about the matter.
Coach’s response
Coach Bowles said after the Buccaneers lost 23-19:
“Punches don’t die in this league—it’s inexcusable. The referees will catch it every time. You have to learn from it.”
There was a pass interference call against Sanders earlier in the first quarter .
Roster competition
Sanders was competing for the team’s fourth safety spot , with Kevon Merriweather and Rashad Wisdom competing . The team currently has Antoine Winfield Jr., Tyke Smith and Christian Ejien as its guaranteed safeties .
Background
Shiloh Sanders is the son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders . He was not selected in the NFL Draft but signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
