The Truth About Shilo Sanders And The Steelers: Why Pittsburgh Passed On Deion's Son

The short and definitive answer to the question "Did Shilo Sanders get picked up by the Pittsburgh Steelers?" is no. As of late 2025, the son of NFL legend Deion Sanders is currently an NFL free agent, having gone undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft and subsequently being released by the team he signed with. Despite persistent rumors and fan speculation linking the polarizing defensive back to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the organization ultimately chose to pass on the opportunity to bring the former Colorado Buffaloes star into the AFC North. This decision was made not once, but twice, first during the draft and again when he became available on the waiver wire.

The entire saga surrounding Shilo Sanders' entry into the professional ranks has been one of the most talked-about storylines of the 2025 NFL offseason. From his standout collegiate career at Colorado, where he played under his father, Coach Prime, to his unexpected journey as an undrafted rookie, his path has been anything but typical. The Pittsburgh Steelers, known for their strong defensive tradition and focus on the safety position, were a logical—though ultimately incorrect—landing spot in the minds of many analysts and fans.

Shilo Sanders: Full Biography and Career Profile

Shilo Sanders is a professional American football safety who gained national prominence during his college career, particularly at the University of Colorado. His career trajectory has been closely followed due to his on-field performance and his status as the son of NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders.

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• Full Name: Shilo Sanders
• Date of Birth: February 9, 2000
• Age (as of late 2025): 25
• Hometown: Canton, Texas
• Position: Safety (S) / Defensive Back (DB)
• Height: 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
• Weight: 195 lbs (88 kg)
• Father: Deion "Coach Prime" Sanders (NFL Hall of Famer, current college football coach)
• Siblings: Brother Shedeur Sanders (Quarterback), Sister Deiondra Sanders, Brother Deion Jr. Sanders
• High School: Trinity Christian School (Cedar Hill, Texas)
• College Career:
  • 2019–2020: South Carolina Gamecocks
  • 2021–2022: Jackson State Tigers (FCS)
  • 2023–2024: Colorado Buffaloes (Pac-12/Big 12)
• NFL Draft Status: Undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft.
• Brief NFL Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Undrafted Free Agent signing, 2025)
• Current Status: NFL Free Agent.

The 2025 NFL Draft and the Steelers' Decision

The speculation about Shilo Sanders joining the Pittsburgh Steelers began long before the 2025 NFL Draft. The Steelers, led by General Manager Omar Khan and Head Coach Mike Tomlin, are consistently looking to bolster their secondary. With the team having a history of drafting and developing defensive backs, and with Shilo's high-profile name, the connection seemed plausible to many in the media and among the fan base, known as the Steelers Nation.

However, when the draft concluded, Shilo Sanders' name was not called. He went completely undrafted, a surprising turn of events for a player who had been a key starter and defensive leader for the Colorado Buffaloes. The Steelers, who had several picks, ultimately passed on the opportunity to select him at any point. This decision signaled the team’s initial lack of interest, or perhaps a difference in their draft board evaluation compared to the public consensus.

Following the draft, Shilo quickly signed a contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent (UDFA). This move immediately shut down the Steelers rumors for the moment, as he was officially off the market and joining a new team in the NFC South.

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The Buccaneers Stint and the Second Missed Opportunity

Shilo Sanders' tenure with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was short-lived and ended with a controversial incident. After signing his UDFA deal, he participated in the team's training camp and preseason. His time with the Buccaneers came to an abrupt end during a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills.

During the game, Sanders was ejected for throwing a punch at Bills tight end Zach Davidson, an action that drew immediate criticism and consequences. Shortly after the incident, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers informed the rookie safety that he was being waived, or released. This move suddenly made Shilo Sanders available to all 31 other NFL teams, including the Pittsburgh Steelers, via the waiver process.

This was the second, and arguably more telling, opportunity for the Steelers to acquire the young defensive back. Even with a reported need for safety depth and the chance to sign a high-upside player who was now a free agent, the Pittsburgh organization once again declined to claim him. Instead of adding Shilo, the Steelers opted to sign a veteran safety to strengthen their secondary, making their stance on the polarizing player crystal clear. The decision by Mike Tomlin and General Manager Omar Khan to pass on him twice—once in the draft and again on waivers—confirmed that the team’s interest was minimal, despite the fan clamor.

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Why the Steelers Passed: Scouting and Fit

The question of why the Pittsburgh Steelers ultimately passed on Shilo Sanders is multifaceted, revolving around scouting evaluations, team needs, and fit within the organization's culture. While the exact reasoning is confidential, several factors likely contributed to the team's decision:

• Draft Grade and Projection: Despite his high-profile name and moments of brilliance at Colorado, Shilo Sanders was not universally viewed as a top-tier safety prospect. His draft projection was often in the later rounds, and many teams, including the Steelers, may have simply had higher-rated players on their board.
• Durability Concerns: Like his brother Shedeur, Shilo battled injuries during his college career, most notably a severe kidney laceration in 2023. NFL teams often prioritize players with clean medical histories, and durability concerns can cause a player to slide down the draft board.
• On-Field Discipline: The preseason ejection for throwing a punch, which led to his release from the Buccaneers, is a significant red flag for any NFL team. The Steelers, under Mike Tomlin, place a high value on discipline and team-first mentality. This incident likely solidified their decision to avoid the potential headache and distraction.
• Scheme Fit: The Steelers' defensive scheme often requires safeties with specific skill sets, particularly in coverage and run support. They may have viewed their existing personnel or other available free agents as a better fit for their needs in the AFC North, a division known for its physical style of play.

In conclusion, while the rumors were strong and the connection seemed logical on paper, Shilo Sanders did not get picked up by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He began his NFL journey as an undrafted free agent with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but that chapter was quickly closed. As he searches for his next opportunity in the NFL, the Steelers have definitively moved on, focusing their efforts on other defensive back acquisitions to address their roster needs.