Shilo Sanders Cut by Buccaneers: One Punch, Big Consequences

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers didn’t waste time. Just a day after rookie safety Shilo Sanders was ejected from a preseason game for throwing a punch, the team waived him. Head coach Todd Bowles didn’t sugarcoat it—calling the act “inexcusable.”

For Sanders, the timing couldn’t have been worse. The 25-year-old, son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, was already fighting for a roster spot as an undrafted free agent. He showed flashes in preseason, making tackles and playing with energy, but he was stuck behind Antoine Winfield Jr. and other veterans. In short—he needed to be perfect.

Instead, a single moment may have defined his rookie year.

More Than Football

The stakes for Shilo go far beyond the field. He’s facing an $11.9 million judgment tied to a past lawsuit, along with bankruptcy proceedings. Making an NFL roster isn’t just a dream—it’s his clearest path to stability.

Still, all hope isn’t lost. Reports suggest Tampa Bay liked his presence and could bring him back on the practice squad if he clears waivers. His agents, Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey, are also pushing for another team to take a chance.

My Take

Did the Buccaneers overreact? Maybe. Rookies make mistakes, and plenty of NFL players have survived worse. But in today’s league—where discipline and roster spots are razor thin—Shilo couldn’t afford even one slip.

Now his career hangs in the balance.

What do you think? Should the Bucs have cut him after one mistake, or does Sanders deserve another shot to prove himself?