It took just one preseason game to have the preseason come to an end on a sour note when Shilo Sanders was ejected after throwing a punch against the Buffalo Bills. Soon after, the Buccaneers waived the rookie safety, leaving his future in uncertainty.
As the NFL approaches its final cutdown date, the son of Coach Prime is looking at his post-football options. Here are some realistic roster paths for Sanders:
1. NFL Waiver Claims
Any other NFL team can claim an available player within 24 hours of him being waived. Because of Shilo Sanders’ athletic profile and versatility in the secondary, a team with a thin defensive backfield could still take a chance. Teams such as the Arizona Cardinals or the Los Angeles Chargers, who have had injuries in their DB rooms this preseason, could be logical fits.
2. Tampa Bay through the Practice Squad
Should he pass through waivers, Sanders might rejoin the Buccaneers’ practice squad, which teams are allowed to carry 16 players. That would keep him near NFL action and allow him to develop, at least with the system of Todd Bowles.
Practice squads have been a stepping-stone to a long career, and several NFL players have proven themselves worthy of a spot as members of the practice squad.
3. Signing On a Different NFL Practice Squad
Even if Tampa does not hold on to him, other NFL teams may consider placing him on their own practice squad. Special teams coordinators especially take notice of versatile athletes, and he did indicate that he will be able to help out on special teams.
This pathway would enable him to remain in the NFL system as he waits to be given a roster position.
4. The CFL Option – Toronto Argonauts Hold His Rights
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Other than the NFL, Sanders has one more pathway in the form of the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League. Following the weekend, Toronto signed Shilo to their negotiation list, which means he now has his CFL rights with the team; his brother, Shedeur, also has these rights.
That does not make him play in Canada, but it gets him a clear route to the Argos in the event he decides to take that. As far as Sanders is concerned, the CFL might imply an instant playing role, even though salaries are considerably lower than in the NFL.
Bottom Line
Shilo Sanders is not at a loss. His best-case scenario is still in the NFL, whether that is on waivers or a practice-squad position, but the CFL and Toronto Argonauts offer an alternative avenue that he can pursue if there are no NFL options.
When Shilo Sanders and his brother Shedeur Sanders were snapped up by Toronto, it reminded fans that although the NFL is his target, Canada is something he could fall back on.
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