Before the NFL season started, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers released Shilo Sanders. This decision came after an incident with a Buffalo Bills player in the last preseason game. Now, Sanders remains a free agent as the 2025-26 NFL season is about to begin.
The NFL sanctioned him for the altercation in which he hit another player with his helmet and was ejected from the field for unsportsmanlike conduct.
He must face the consequences of his actions
According to Athlonsports, a week after leaving the Buccaneers, Sanders was informed of a fine. The NFL imposed a $4,669 penalty, as reported by Adam Schefter of ESPN.
Schefter wrote: “A real hit: the NFL fined former Buccaneers safety Shilo Sanders $4,669 for striking another player and being ejected from Saturday night’s preseason game against Buffalo. The Buccaneers released Sanders shortly after, and he has not signed with another NFL team.”
A real punch: NFL is fining former Buccaneers safety Shilo Sanders $4,669 for punching another player and being ejected from last Saturday night’s preseason game against Buffalo. Sanders wound up being released shortly after and has not been signed to another NFL team. pic.twitter.com/s6NFjrN50o
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 30, 2025
Sanders joined training camp and preseason as an undrafted player, with slim chances of making the roster. However, his behavior sealed his exit from the franchise. Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles called him a promising player, but described his actions as “inexcusable.”
Bowles said: “You can’t throw punches in this league… That’s unforgivable. They’ll catch you every time. I have to grow from that.”
Although Sanders hopes to join a team before the season, no practice squad has called him yet.
NFL legend and Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders defended his son, saying:
“He’s my son, and I’m proud of all my kids… I prepared them for anything that could happen in life and in sports. That’s part of fatherhood and part of raising children. He’s mentally and physically where he needs to be. We’re praying he gets another chance with a team, but if not, we already have plans for what comes next.”
