Being the son of a legend like Deion Sanders doesn’t automatically open the doors to the NFL. Shilo Sanders found that out the hard way, going undrafted and then being released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the 2025 preseason. As of Week 7, he’s still a free agent and hasn’t even landed on a practice squad.

But there might still be one last shot for Shilo Sanders to make it in the NFL. That is, if he decides to be Deion’s son for real this time.

However, there’s a catch. Out of all 32 NFL teams, the Dallas Cowboys are the only franchise publicly identified as needing a safety, according to NFL.com’s Kevin Patra. Jerry Jones even hinted he has the “ammo” to strengthen the defense before the trade deadline, mentioning safety as one of the possible upgrades.

Kevin writes, “As much as DeMarvion Overshown’s potential return should help, further upgrading at the deadline would indicate the Cowboys actually plan to make a push for the postseason. Another pass rusher, defensive tackle or safety should all be in play.”

But there’s another team. Cincinnati Bengals, despite their Week 7 win over Pittsburgh Steelers, continue to battle defensive inconsistencies, especially in the linebacker and secondary units. They’re looking for reinforcements. And Shilo’s experience at safety could make him a low-risk, high-upside addition. It’s the perfect opening for someone who’s been on the outside looking in since leaving Colorado.

Yet if the Cowboys don’t bite… Or if Shilo Sanders doesn’t take the Bengals’ potential interest seriously… His NFL window could close for good. That would leave him scrambling for another way to bring in income beyond football.

Ironically, for someone who has often said he’s “tight on cash,” Shilo’s recent actions suggest otherwise. In his latest YouTube vlog, he’s seen house hunting in Miami. Not exactly a budget-friendly pastime, touring a luxury condo listed at around $5 million.

When the realtor failed to recognize him from TV, Shilo coolly replied, “You know what a trust fund is? I ain’t get that.” The moment went viral, sparking questions about whether he’s struggling financially or simply leaning into the entertainment side of being a Sanders.

Maybe that’s the real play here. Instead of chasing a roster spot, Shilo could be chasing views. For now, he is embracing the fame, humor, and charisma his father once said made him “the one who could make it” off the field.

So, what’s next for Shilo Sanders? 

The abrupt end of Shilo Sanders’ time with the Bucs has kicked off a fascinating new chapter for him. His NFL opportunity, which began as an undrafted free agent from Colorado, was cut short in August 2025. During the Buccaneers’ preseason finale against the Buffalo Bills, Sanders was ejected for throwing a punch at Bills tight end Zach Davidson. Less than 24 hours later, the Buccaneers waived him. This came after an earlier penalty for pass interference in the same game. The Bucs ultimately lost 23-19.

Despite his reputation as a hard-hitting safety in college, the end is a gut punch. The competition for a roster spot, combined with the inexcusable on-field conduct, led to his release. Sanders was not claimed off waivers by another team. Even the Bucs didn’t add him to practice squad.

But now he has shifted gears, embracing the role of a content creator on YouTube. Sanders has been openly self-aware about his situation. He even joked about his finances and the misconception of wealth after an NFL cut. He has stated that he’s “mentally good” because he has “a lot of talents to do other things other than play football.”

The other interests? Music, acting, and modeling. His philosophy, which he’s shared on his channel, is that every athlete eventually has to figure out what comes next when the game ends.