Shilo Sanders Could Lose Buccaneers Roster Spot to Fellow UDFA
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers seem to have upgraded several positions this offseason through free agency and the draft.
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Hoping for a deep postseason run in 2025, general manager Jason Licht left no stone unturned this offseason while hoping to find talent to fill the roster, especially on defense.
After the draft, Licht signed undrafted free agent safety Shilo Sanders to the roster to compete for a roster spot. But that roster spot might be in jeopardy right now, according to Pewter Report's Scott Reynolds.
"I think it's an uphill climb right now. The reason is that the Bucs will likely keep four or five safeties as former All-Pro Antoine Winfield Jr. and Tykee Smith are the starters with Christian Izien and Kaevon Merriweather on deck as experienced backups who have at least two years in Todd Bowles' system," Reynolds wrote.
"If Tampa Bay keeps five safeties, that certainly increases Sanders' chances of making the team. Yet it seems like fellow undrafted free agent J.J. Roberts has the inside track for that spot over Sanders at this moment.
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"Roberts had a draftable grade, unlike Sanders, and was in for an official 30 visit prior to the draft, whereas Sanders was not. Plus, the team also gave him hundreds of thousands of dollars in guaranteed money that Sanders didn't get." Reynolds said.
JP Peterson of The JP Peterson Show at Fan Stream Sports – Tampa Bay believes he's done everything right, and could have a spot on the practice squad when it's all said and done.
'I've spoken to some team sources who told me they could not have been more impressed with his humble, hardworking approach," Peterson said. "A model rookie. He's got some serious competition to make the roster, but a practice squad spot is almost certain. If the Bucs get a few injuries at the position, he could get elevated.'
Sanders has done everything right since arriving in Tampa Bay this offseason, but sometimes it takes more than that to make the final 53-man regular season roster.
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And right now, Sanders could be on the outside looking in.
Related: Bucs Rival Gives Rare Compliment to Star Defender
Related: Insider Reveals Buccaneers' New Uniform Treat for 2025
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
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