Shilo Sanders started his preseason with a bang, flashing playmaking ability in his debut and getting people talking. But by the second week, that buzz cooled off when he couldn’t quite make the same impact.
Shilo brings a big name and plenty of energy, but NFL teams don’t hand out roster spots because of pedigree.
The Bucs’ secondary is already stacked with veterans and young players fighting for limited slots, which means Shilo has to stand out every single practice and game rep.
He’s shown flashes of range and quick instincts, but inconsistency has kept him from pulling away in the competition.
Whether he earns a spot will come down to special teams value and how much the coaching staff believes he can develop into a reliable depth piece right now.
How Things Are Looking For Shilo Sanders
Shilo Sanders’ preseason journey has been a rollercoaster. He opened with a bang in his debut, showing quickness, instincts, and flashes of the hard-hitting style that got him noticed in college.
But by Week 2, the momentum stalled. Against Pittsburgh, Shilo didn’t make the splash plays the Bucs were hoping for. He was in on a couple of tackles but also missed one, and in a game where other safeties like Kaevon Merriweather and Rashad Wisdom stood out, Shilo didn’t do much to separate himself. That has left his roster chances in a tricky spot.
The injury to rookie J.J. Roberts actually helps Shilo from a numbers standpoint, since Tampa Bay now has one less safety in the rotation. Still, the battle for the fourth safety spot behind Antoine Winfield Jr., Tykee Smith, and Christian Izien is fierce. Merriweather has experience in Todd Bowles’ defense, and Wisdom’s versatility at both safety and nickel makes him extremely valuable.
That means Shilo has to prove more than just run support. He has to show he can cover, contribute on special teams, and avoid costly mistakes.
The Bucs’ final preseason game against the Bills gives him that chance. Buffalo is a run-heavy team, which plays to Shilo’s strength. He’s very good against the run, and if he can deliver a couple of big stops at the line or even snag a turnover, it could tilt the coaches’ decision in his favor.
Preseason is all about seizing opportunities, and this game is his last big one to make an impression. Even if he doesn’t make the 53-man roster right away, a practice squad spot is still very much in play. From there, all it takes is one injury or roster shuffle to get called up.
That’s how players like Anthony Harris, who once went undrafted, got their shot with Minnesota, and eventually earned a roster spot, built solid careers. The same path is possible for Shilo. And amidst all this, a trade may actually be possible.
Shilo’s chances aren’t locked in, but they’re alive. With one strong game left, his NFL journey may depend on how he handles this final audition. The talent is there. The question is whether he can put it all together when it matters most.