As the NFL prepares to make its Aug. 27 cutdowns, there are now several reports that show Shilo Sanders as a roster bubble safety in Tampa Bay. Most recent projections do not have him among the most likely 53 on the Buccaneers, despite coaches having complimented his effort and special-teams versatility.
Scott Reynolds of the Pewter Report noted the rookie had raised expectations, but his progress is likely not going to track to the 53. Reynolds noted that Sanders “looks like a practice squad safety” and implied his next performance will need to be good in order to have a chance. Todd Bowles has also praised Sanders throughout camp, but his future and Tampa Bay remain uncertain.
One potential location, Denver, is a viable landing spot should the Bucs wave him. The Broncos this week have made a point of mentioning special-teams value surrounding the recent decisions. That approach could be important to a physical, multi‑scheme defensive back whose most likely role appears to be on kick coverage and dime packages.
Shilo’s ollege career has shown that he is flexible to role requirements and versatile in different back-end methods. If Tampa Bay tries to stash him, waiver claims are usually based on recent tape plus special-teams skills; Denver seems to fit with those considerations and could be potential bidders as final cuts start to come around.
What other teams could scoop up Shilo Sanders if Tampa Bay lets him go?
Outside Denver, there have been two other scenarios reported in the recent news. Pittsburgh Steelers has been noted in Bucs‑specific coverage as an aesthetic match team that values versatile, team‑first DBs. Mike Tomlin-era roster building typically fits with the type of player that Sanders is, especially with how the Steelers cycle the back of the roster secondary positions.
The New Orleans Saints have also generated buzz for a potential landing spot. Sanders could fit within Saints by stabilizing their special teams and adding depth to the secondary. A move to the division rival seems like the last thing Tampa Bay would want, but it’s still a very possible move.
Assuming the Buccaneers waive Shilo Sanders, Denver would be a plausible destination for the emphasis on special teams, as well as reports about adding DBs late in camp. Reports continue to produce the same verdict from Sanders: the need to see one more preseason tape to confirm tackling and team value. The road is there; it is just a matter of which team decides to make the call based on a week of snaps.
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