When a player comes from an NFL bloodline, expectations are high before the helmet is ever put on. And that’s just a part of the package for Shilo Sanders. Shilo, the son of Hall of Famer Deion “Prime Time” Sanders, went into the 2025 offseason hoping to establish himself as a defensive back with much to prove. And he wants to prove he is more than just a legacy player.

Following the 2025 NFL Draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers welcomed a wave of talent. Including a few undrafted free agents who are already starting to generate interest in the community. As the rookie minicamp is coming to an end and OTAs are approaching, players like Shilo have the opportunity to prove that they belong not only because of who they are but also because of what they contribute.

But if football is business, then the environment is everything. And Shilo Sanders is already giving off the impression of a man looking to extend a summer opportunity into a permanent stay. In a recent live stream, Sanders stated, “Am I like Tampa? I love Tampa. I’m not going to lie, Tampa actually is, living here now, Tampa is one of the best places to live.” This type of energy cannot be forced. Sanders is obviously enjoying every aspect of Tampa Bay, from the sun-drenched Gulf Coast climate to the NFL-ready stadium atmosphere. Tampa Bay is more than simply a team for Shilo. His remarks aren’t just casual fan service; they represent what the numbers say.

Due to its favourable environment, affordable cost of living, and tax-friendly structure, Tampa has become one of the nation’s fastest-growing metropolitan areas over the last five years. However, this goes beyond feelings and real estate. Shilo Sanders, who is renowned for his physicality and ball-hawking instincts, recently finished a successful collegiate career at Colorado and Jackson State. Scouts viewed him as a player with positional versatility and special-teams upside. The two qualities that are crucial when roster cuts start to occur.

Sanders finds himself in a city that is not only thrilling to live in, but also one where he has a chance to stay. Shilo has a short but crucial window to prove to Tampa coaches that he is more than simply Deion’s son, as OTAs are coming up and veterans will be returning in roughly a week. Though, for the time being? He is enjoying every second of it. But while Shilo Sanders is getting settled, a seasoned wide receiver may be leaving.

As Shilo Sanders gets comfortable, Sterling Shepard faces roster squeeze

The Bucs re-signed Sterling Shepard just this March. Yet, they may be about to cut the 9-year NFL veteran with over 4,400 career receiving yards, according to Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report. Why? A crowded and increasingly younger wide receiver room. Let’s do the maths. The dynamic former Ohio State great Emeka Egbuka was selected by Tampa Bay with a first-round pick. They doubled down with Oregon speedster Tez Johnson in the seventh round. With the addition of Chris Godwin, Mike Evans, and 2023 draft pick Jalen McMillan, the Bucs have six viable pass-catching options fighting for maybe five roster slots.

Shepard, who is currently 32, caught 32 passes in Tampa last season for 334 yards and a touchdown. He signed with the Bucs in 2023. This made him reunit to reunite with college quarterback Baker Mayfield, but that reunion seems to be ending. Knox notes that Tampa may save $1.7 million in salary space by dismissing him prior to the season. Though he is returning on a one-year, $2.25 million contract.

But the timeframe is just as important as the maths. Over the previous few years, Shepard has struggled with severe injuries. Such as a torn ACL in 2022 and a damaged Achilles in 2021. Although he made a strong return, his presence might be more sentimental than required, with his role waning and the youth movement taking hold. Knox pointed out, “While Tampa re-signed Shepard this offseason, they also used a first-round pick on Emeka Egbuka and drafted Tez Johnson in Round 7. If Chris Godwin is fully recovered… Shepard could be expendable.”

Shepard’s resume is solid with 104 games and over ten years in the league, but it might not be enough. The Bucs appear to be investing more in explosive playmaking and long-term potential as OTAs get near, rather than maintaining locker room familiarity. So, while Shilo Sanders may be falling in love with Tampa, another familiar face is getting ready to go.