Shilo Sanders 'Got a Chance' to Make Bucs Roster After UDFA Contract, Todd Bowles Says

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles believes that rookie safety Shilo Sanders has a shot to earn a spot on the team's 53-man roster.

"He's coming along. He's getting the scheme down," Bowles told reporters Thursday (h/t NFL.com's Kevin Patra). "He's made plays like everybody else back there. There are a few tests that come up during the preseason -- Tuesday night was one, and the other three preseason games and practices will be others. He's got a chance to make it."

Sanders signed with the Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent on April 26 after spending the 2024 season with Colorado.

He recorded 67 tackles, two tackles for loss, two passes defensed and one sack during his senior year as a member of the Buffaloes.

Sanders' status as an undrafted free agent means that a final roster spot is far from guaranteed, but he'll have an opportunity to potentially rise up Tampa Bay's depth chart as training camp continues and the preseason begins.

He's currently in a position battle with fellow safeties such as Kaevon Merriweather and J.J. Roberts.

The Buccaneers have found success after the draft before, as Christian Izien started 10 games at safety last season after he was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2023.

Sanders should receive opportunities to prove himself in preseason and could look to carve out a special teams role as a rookie and showcase his versatility.

Tampa Bay will start its preseason action against the Tennessee Titans on Aug. 9, while final roster cuts will be made on Aug. 27.