The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made waves in the football world this offseason with a surprising pair of decisions involving the Sanders brothers—Shedeur and Shilo—sons of Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders. While many expected Shedeur, a highly touted quarterback prospect from Colorado, to be on the Buccaneers’ radar for the 2025 NFL Draft, the team shocked some by removing him entirely from their draft board. In contrast, the Bucs turned around and signed his older brother, safety Shilo Sanders, as an undrafted free agent. The team’s general manager has since offered insight into the rationale behind the moves.
Speaking at a recent press conference, Buccaneers GM Jason Licht addressed the apparent contradiction. “Every decision we make is based on fit, not family ties or headlines,” Licht said. “We did our due diligence on both players. With Shedeur, we had some questions—about scheme fit, leadership style, and how he might handle an NFL locker room dynamic. Those are things we heavily factor in for a quarterback, especially one we’d be investing a draft pick in.”
Licht made it clear that removing Shedeur from their draft list was not a reflection on his raw talent or production. The younger Sanders had a prolific college career at Jackson State before transferring to Colorado, where he put up impressive numbers under the guidance of his father, head coach Deion Sanders. Still, Licht emphasized that talent alone isn’t always enough.
“For quarterbacks, especially young ones stepping into leadership roles, we look at more than the tape,” Licht explained. “We consider how they respond to adversity, how they command a huddle, and how they interact with teammates and staff. We felt there were better fits in this year’s class for what we’re trying to build.”
In contrast, Licht was complimentary of Shilo Sanders, who joined the Buccaneers as a free safety on a team-friendly deal after going undrafted. “Shilo came in with humility and a chip on his shoulder,” Licht said. “He understands his role, he’s hungry, and he’s already been a great presence in the locker room. Our staff loved his energy, his special teams potential, and the way he plays downhill.”
Shilo Sanders, who played both at South Carolina and Jackson State before transferring to Colorado, built a reputation as a hard-hitting, instinctual defensive back. Though he lacked some of the elite testing numbers that NFL scouts prioritize, his attitude and willingness to contribute on special teams gave him an edge with the Buccaneers coaching staff.
“It’s not about making headlines for us,” Licht reiterated. “Shilo earned his opportunity. He didn’t ask for any special treatment, and he’s already showing us that he belongs.”
The move is also a reflection of Tampa Bay’s current roster construction. With Baker Mayfield re-signed and young quarterback Kyle Trask still in development, the Buccaneers were not in desperate need of a rookie quarterback to groom. In contrast, their defensive backfield has seen a lot of turnover in recent years, with veterans departing and younger players stepping up. Shilo Sanders adds depth and physicality to a position group that values both.
Meanwhile, Shedeur Sanders has made it clear that he is focused on returning to Colorado for one more season, likely aiming to elevate his stock for the 2026 NFL Draft. When asked about the Buccaneers’ decision, he remained professional and focused on development, noting that he’s using every bit of feedback to improve and mature both on and off the field.
Though the Sanders brothers are both high-profile names in the football world thanks to their father’s legacy and their college careers, the Buccaneers’ divergent decisions on each serve as a reminder of how individual evaluation still trumps narrative. In the end, it’s about fit, readiness, and the ability to contribute to the team’s identity.
As the Buccaneers move into training camp, all eyes will be on Shilo Sanders as he fights to earn a spot on the 53-man roster. Meanwhile, the conversation around Shedeur Sanders will undoubtedly continue, with NFL scouts closely watching how he responds during his final collegiate campaign.
