Shilo Sanders, son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, has been waived by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers just weeks after signing as an undrafted free agent, a move caused by fierce roster competition that leaves his NFL future uncertain and sparks both disappointment and debate over whether his famous last name has become more burden than blessing.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers stunned fans and insiders alike by announcing the release of rookie safety Shilo Sanders, the son of NFL Hall of Famer and Colorado head coach Deion “Prime Time” Sanders.

The decision, confirmed late Wednesday, comes just weeks after the 24-year-old defensive back signed with the Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent, hoping to carve out his own legacy in professional football.

Sanders, who transferred from Jackson State to Colorado to play under his father during the Buffaloes’ highly publicized 2023 season, entered the league with no shortage of name recognition.

His surname alone brought immediate attention, but Shilo had repeatedly emphasized his desire to be known not just as “Deion’s son” but as a serious athlete in his own right.

“I want to earn everything myself,” he said earlier this year.

“I don’t want people to think I’m just here because of who my dad is.”

The Buccaneers initially saw promise in Sanders’ athleticism, leadership, and competitive spirit, praising his work ethic during rookie minicamp.

Yet, with NFL rosters narrowing down from 90 players in the offseason to just 53 by the start of the regular season, the margin for error is slim.

Coaches reportedly viewed Sanders as a long shot to make the final roster but hoped his special teams contributions might secure him a spot.

Ultimately, Tampa Bay’s coaching staff decided to part ways, leaving Sanders in search of a new opportunity.

The team has not issued a detailed explanation beyond the standard roster move, but speculation quickly spread across sports media.

Analysts pointed to a crowded defensive backfield in Tampa, where established veterans and other young safeties already locked in roles, making Sanders expendable.

The move has stirred a wave of conversation, not just about Shilo’s immediate future, but also about the intense spotlight he carries as one of Deion Sanders’ children.

His younger brother, Shedeur Sanders, is widely expected to be a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, while Deion himself remains one of the most polarizing and talked-about figures in college football.

That dynamic has led some to question whether Shilo faces unfair scrutiny compared to other rookies trying to find their footing.

Fans quickly flooded social media after the announcement.

Some expressed disappointment, arguing that Shilo deserved more time to adjust to the professional game.

“Give the kid a chance—he has the heart, he just needs development,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Others were more critical, pointing out his uneven college statistics and suggesting his high-profile last name created expectations he could not meet.

Deion Sanders, who has never shied away from addressing the media, has not yet issued a public statement about the release.

However, those close to the Sanders family believe that Shilo will continue pursuing an NFL career, whether through practice squads, workouts with other teams, or potentially opportunities in alternative leagues such as the XFL or USFL.

“Shilo’s a fighter,” a source close to the family said.

“This is just one step in the journey, not the end.”

The timing of the move is also notable.

NFL teams across the league are currently making cuts as preseason winds down and final roster spots are claimed.

For a player like Sanders, who relies on special teams versatility and defensive depth roles, being waived now does allow him a window to catch on with another franchise before the season begins.

Several teams are still evaluating their depth charts, and players with athletic upside and strong football IQ—both traits coaches have credited Shilo with—often get second looks.

The bigger question is whether Shilo can shed the weight of comparisons to his legendary father and brother long enough to carve out a career path that’s uniquely his own.

Deion Sanders himself often reminds his sons that “pressure is a privilege,” but in the high-stakes world of the NFL, where talent must align perfectly with timing, even the most determined players face uphill battles.

As of now, Shilo Sanders remains a free agent, his next move uncertain.

What’s clear is that this latest chapter has only amplified the intrigue surrounding the Sanders family’s expanding influence on the football world.

While Shedeur is projected to be one of the brightest young quarterbacks entering the draft, Shilo’s journey is proving to be a much tougher climb, filled with challenges that could either define him as a resilient underdog or place him among the many who fell just short of making it in the league.

For now, all eyes turn to where Shilo goes next—and whether the young safety can find a franchise willing to give him the chance to prove that his story in football is far from finished.