Buccaneers GM Jason Licht opens up about Shilo Sanders signing

Tampa Bay Buccaneers GM Jason Licht shared the behind-the-scenes moment that led to the Bucs signing Colorado safety Shilo Sanders.

Darius Hayes | Apr 29, 2025

Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht talks with media as he introduces new head coach Bruce Arians. / Kim Klement-Imagn Images

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers didn’t just make headlines during the NFL Draft — they kept the buzz going post-draft as well.

The Buccaneers signed Colorado safety Shilo Sanders as an undrafted free agent. According to General Manager Jason Licht, the decision came swiftly once the opportunity presented itself.

“After the draft his agent reached out if we would be interested — Todd and I looked at each other, nodded, and said, ‘Yeah, let’s do it,’” Licht said during an appearance on WDAE radio.

Bucs GM Jason Licht on UDFA Shilo Sanders

“After the draft his agent reached out if we would be interested - Todd & I looked at each other nodded & said ya let’s do it.”

“Todd said Coach Prime called him & thanked him for bringing Shilo in and giving him a fair shot”.

Prime &…
— Tampa Tones (@TampaTones) April 29, 2025

The move adds more intrigue to Tampa Bay’s secondary, as Shilo brings a physical presence and a well-known name. The son of NFL Hall of Famer Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders, Shilo carved out his own college career, recording 184 tackles, six interceptions and six forced fumbles. In 2023 alone, he led Colorado with 67 tackles and four forced fumbles.

While expectations may differ for a UDFA, Shilo’s pedigree and production give him a legitimate shot to stick around. Head coach Todd Bowles reportedly received a call from Deion himself after the signing.

“Todd said Coach Prime called him and thanked him for bringing Shilo in and giving him a fair shot,” Licht said.

Nov 29, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes safety Shilo Sanders (21) reacts in the second quarter against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images / Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

That fair shot may be all Shilo Sanders needs. Known for his physicality in run support and his high football IQ, Shilo brings traits the Buccaneers value, even if his game isn’t a mirror image of his father’s. While still raw in some areas, especially tackling consistency and footwork, he has the mindset of a grinder.

Tampa Bay's secondary is competitive, but with Sanders’ experience, bloodline and toughness, he has the chance to make the roster and find a spot for himself. At minimum, he has the chance at the very least to make it difficult for coaches to overlook him.

As the Bucs gear up for rookie minicamp and OTA season, all eyes will be on Sanders to see if he can turn that “fair shot” into a full-time opportunity.

Stick with BucsGameday for more coverage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throughout the 2025 offseason.

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