Shilo's spot in the Bucs depth chart ignites a reaction.
Deion Sanders’ Ex-Wife Rallies Behind Shilo Sanders After Buccaneers Depth Chart Reveal originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Cleveland Browns released their first unofficial depth charts ahead of their respective preseason openers, a familiar family name appeared in fourth position on both rosters.
Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders checks in behind Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel in Cleveland, while his older brother, Shilo Sanders, is buried behind Tykee Smith, Kaevon Merriweather and Rashad Wisdom in Tampa Bay’s safety rotation.
Amid the initial update, both brothers received a united boost of confidence from their mother, Pilar Sanders, who commented on an Instagram post with Shilo's latest update, saying, "ALL GOOD AND HIS BROTHER WAS LISTED AS 4TH in the depth chart too! GOOOO BABY!!!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️👏👏👏👏👏."
Shilo Sanders: From Boulder Standout to Buccaneers Undrafted Free Agent
Shilo's football journey spans three colleges and a lifetime in his father Deion Sanders' shadow.
A standout at Trinity Christian High School in Cedar Hill, Texas, he registered five interceptions, a fumble recovery and 24 tackles in his senior season before committing to South Carolina.
- South Carolina (2019-2020): 13 games, 34 combined tackles, one pass deflection and one fumble recovery.
- Jackson State (2021-2022): Second-team All-SWAC after 39 tackles, seven pass deflections, four interceptions and two forced fumbles in 2021; season cut short by an ACL injury in 2022.
- Colorado (2023-2024): 19 games, 125 tackles, one interception returned 80 yards for a touchdown and five forced fumbles.
Not selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, Sanders signed with the Buccaneers as a free agent.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Training Camp and Initial Depth Chart
In rookie minicamp and OTAs, Shilo drew praise from head coach Todd Bowles, himself a former NFL defensive back, who told reporters, "He’s coming along. He’s getting the scheme down. He’s made plays like everybody else back there... He’s got a chance to make it."
Despite the high praise from Bowles and several highlight pass breakups, Shilo finds himself listed as a fourth-string safety on Tampa Bay’s first depth chart.
In a crowded secondary that includes seven safeties vying for four active spots, Shilo must prove his special-teams value and consistency in three preseason games to climb the ladder.
Shilo will see his first competitive action on Saturday against the Tennessee Titans, while his younger brother Shedeur is expected to start Cleveland’s preseason opener versus the Carolina Panthers on Friday.
For both Sanders brothers, these next few weeks will be incredibly important.
Related: Shedeur Sanders Has Fiery Reaction To Former Colorado Star Signing With the Packers
Related: Deion Sanders Reacts to Reunion Between Shedeur Sanders and Jimmy Horn Jr.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Football
