5 Reasons Why The Pittsburgh Steelers Passed On Shilo Sanders After His Buccaneers Release

The question of whether Shilo Sanders would land with the Pittsburgh Steelers has been one of the most persistent rumors in the NFL media cycle, especially following his dramatic exit from his first professional team. As of today, December 12, 2025, the definitive answer is no: Shilo Sanders was not picked up by the Pittsburgh Steelers, either during the 2025 NFL Draft or after his subsequent release from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Steelers had multiple opportunities to add the polarizing safety to their roster, choosing instead to focus on veteran experience and players who fit their specific defensive scheme, effectively putting an end to the "Shilo to Pittsburgh" speculation that had captivated fans and analysts alike. This article breaks down the full story of his brief NFL journey and the key factors that led the Steelers' front office to look elsewhere.

Shilo Sanders, the son of NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, entered the professional ranks with a high profile but a low draft projection. After going undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft, he quickly signed with the Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent (UDFA). However, his time in Tampa Bay was short-lived, concluding with a controversial preseason ejection that ultimately sealed his fate with the team. The Steelers' decision to pass on him, even when he became available on the waiver wire, speaks volumes about the organization's current priorities and the challenges facing an undrafted player trying to carve out a niche in the league.

Shilo Sanders: Complete Player Profile and Biography

Shilo Deion Sanders is a professional football safety who gained significant national attention during his college career, particularly while playing for his father, Deion Sanders, at both Jackson State and the University of Colorado. His journey was marked by high-impact plays and a transfer path that defined the "Coach Prime" era of college football.

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• Full Name: Shilo Deion Sanders
• Date of Birth: February 9, 2000
• Hometown: Canton, Texas
• Position: Safety (S)
• Height: 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
• Weight: 195 lbs (88 kg)
• College Career:
  • South Carolina Gamecocks (2019–2020)
  • Jackson State Tigers (2021–2022) - Played under Coach Prime.
  • Colorado Buffaloes (2023–2024) - Transferred with his father and brother, Shedeur Sanders.
• Key College Stats (Career Totals): Approximately 136 solo tackles, 37 assists, 1.0 sack, 3 fumble recoveries, and 1 interception (Note: Stats are cumulative across multiple programs).
• NFL Draft Status: Undrafted Free Agent (UDFA) in the 2025 NFL Draft.
• First NFL Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Signed in 2025, later waived).

The Definitive Answer: Shilo Sanders Was Not a Steeler

The rumors linking Shilo Sanders to the Pittsburgh Steelers intensified after the conclusion of the 2025 NFL Draft. Despite the familial connection—Deion Sanders himself has a history of praise for the Steelers organization—and the team's occasional need for depth in the defensive backfield, the Steelers front office, led by General Manager Omar Khan and Head Coach Mike Tomlin, remained silent on the matter, ultimately passing on the opportunity to sign him.

The Undrafted Path and the Buccaneers Release

Shilo Sanders' professional career began on an uphill trajectory after he went unselected in the 2025 Draft. He was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a team that presented him with a clear opportunity to compete for a roster spot during training camp and the preseason.

His tenure with the Buccaneers, however, came to an abrupt end. During the preseason finale against the Buffalo Bills, Sanders was ejected from the game after throwing a punch at an opposing player. This highly publicized incident occurred less than 24 hours before the team’s final roster cuts were due. Following the ejection, the Buccaneers waived Sanders, effectively making him a free agent and placing him on the NFL waiver wire.

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Pittsburgh’s Decision to Pass

When Sanders was waived by Tampa Bay, the Steelers had the option to submit a claim for him, which would have automatically added him to their 53-man roster. They chose not to. Furthermore, when he cleared waivers, they could have signed him to their practice squad, but they also passed on this opportunity.

The Steelers’ silence spoke volumes. Instead of adding the high-profile, yet controversial, rookie, Pittsburgh opted to sign a veteran safety to strengthen their defense, demonstrating a preference for proven, low-risk talent over developmental or high-profile projects at that specific time.

Why the Steelers Looked Past the Sanders Name

The Pittsburgh Steelers are known for their strong defensive tradition and a methodical approach to roster building. While the name "Sanders" carries immense weight in football circles, several practical and philosophical reasons likely factored into the organization's decision to bypass Shilo Sanders, even as a low-cost, high-upside gamble.

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1. Safety Depth and Roster Stability

The Steelers’ safety depth chart, even with occasional injuries, possessed several established players and core special teamers. Key personnel like Minkah Fitzpatrick, one of the league's premier safeties, anchor the unit. The team often prioritizes players who excel in special teams roles, such as Myles Killebrew, who is a core special teamer and provides reliable depth. Adding an undrafted rookie like Sanders would have meant displacing a known, reliable commodity, a move the Steelers are typically reluctant to make without a clear performance upgrade.

2. Undrafted Status and Injury Concerns

Despite his production at the University of Colorado, Shilo Sanders was not projected to be a high pick, and he ultimately went undrafted. One speculated factor for his undrafted status was a prior injury that caused him to miss time during his college career. NFL teams are extremely cautious with defensive backs who have a history of injuries, and the Steelers likely had concerns about his long-term durability and ability to handle the physical demands of a full NFL season.

3. The Preseason Ejection Incident

The incident that led to his release from the Buccaneers—throwing a punch during a preseason game—was a major red flag for any NFL organization. The Steelers, under Mike Tomlin, place a high value on discipline, composure, and "Steelers Way" professionalism. A lack of control that results in an ejection, particularly in a low-stakes preseason environment, is often viewed as a sign of unreliability that a team cannot afford, especially from an undrafted player fighting for a spot.

4. Scheme Fit and Positional Versatility

While Sanders is a talented safety, the Steelers may have been looking for a specific type of defensive back to fill a particular role in their scheme, possibly a more hybrid player or someone with greater slot corner versatility. The team opted to sign a veteran safety instead, suggesting they prioritized experience and a known quantity who could immediately contribute to the defensive rotation or special teams, rather than a developmental project who was already facing disciplinary concerns.

5. Media Attention and Distraction Factor

The "Sanders" name guarantees significant media attention, both positive and negative. While the Steelers are one of the NFL's most visible franchises, they generally prefer their players to earn headlines for their on-field performance, not off-field drama or family connections. For a team focused on a deep playoff run, adding a player whose every move is scrutinized adds an unnecessary layer of potential distraction that the organization likely wanted to avoid, especially for a player who was not a high-priority talent acquisition.

What’s Next for Shilo Sanders and the Steelers?

The path for Shilo Sanders is now that of a journeyman free agent. Following his release from the Buccaneers, he has been linked to potential careers outside of football, including a possible move into the music industry, as he looks to find his next opportunity. His agents, Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey, have been actively looking for a new home for him, but a return to the NFL will require a team willing to overlook his brief, controversial stint in Tampa Bay.

For the Pittsburgh Steelers, the focus remains firmly on their current roster and their pursuit of a Super Bowl title. By passing on Shilo Sanders, the team reaffirmed its commitment to a philosophy built on stability, discipline, and acquiring talent that fits a clear, established need, regardless of the player's external profile or familial fame. While the door to the NFL is never fully closed, the likelihood of Shilo Sanders ever donning the black and gold of the Pittsburgh Steelers has significantly diminished following the events of the 2025 NFL season.