Todd Bowles: Shilo Sanders has 'a chance' to make Buccaneers roster

Through the early part of training camp, Shilo Sanders is looking to make an impression on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ staff. The former Colorado safety signed with the franchise as an undrafted free agent, and head coach Todd Bowles said he has a “chance” to make the team.

Sanders – the son of CU head coach Deion Sanders – is vying for a role in the Tampa Bay secondary. Antoine Winfield and Tykee Smith are both back at safety, but the Bucs could be looking for depth pieces at the position.

Bowles said he’s seen progress from Sanders and noted he’s learning the scheme well. The preseason will be important, though, as the staff fills out its final roster spots.

“He’s coming along. He’s getting the scheme down,” Bowles said Thursday. “He’s made plays like everybody else back there. There are a few tests that come up during the preseason – Tuesday night was one, and the other three preseason games and practices will be others. He’s got a chance to make it.”

Sanders played for his father at Colorado the last two years alongside his brother, Shedeur, who is looking to make the Cleveland Browns roster. The elder Sanders totaled 137 tackles during that time, including three tackles for loss, a sack and an interception. That includes 67 tackles, including two for loss, last season.

Sanders began his career at South Carolina before joining Coach Prime at Jackson State and, eventually, at Colorado. Now, he’s looking to make an NFL roster this season.

In fact, Deion Sanders visited Bucs training camp to check in on how Shilo was performing. Bowles made it clear the visit was just to see his son as a father, not to meet with the head coach.

“He came to visit his son; he didn’t come to visit me,” Bowles said. “He strictly came to see Shilo. I guarantee you he didn’t come to see me. Not that I don’t like him, but he’s a father going to visit his son. Who wouldn’t be proud to have their son trying out in the NFL?”

The Buccaneers started training camp last week as they march toward the 2025 season. Tampa Bay is set to kick things off in Week 1 with a matchup against the Atlanta Falcons on Sept. 7, but will get the preseason underway Aug. 9 against the Tennessee Titans.