Shilo Sanders' dismissal from the Buccaneers, according to Michael Irvin, is not believed to be linked to his ejection.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Release Rookie Safety Shilo Sanders
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have made a surprising move, releasing rookie safety Shilo Sanders after he was ejected for throwing a punch during a preseason game.
Sanders, son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, joined the Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent. He played college football at Colorado, where he played for his father after stops at South Carolina and Jackson State.
Reports indicate that the Buccaneers liked Sanders' energy and physicality during camp. He was competing with Kaevon Merriweather and Rashad Wisdom for a reserve role in the Buccaneers' safety group.
The Buccaneers may still value Sanders' development in a practice squad role. According to Michael Irvin, NFL legend, the team's decision to release Sanders was a calculated roster strategy. Irvin believes that this move increases the Buccaneers' chances of re-signing Sanders to the practice squad.
Head coach Todd Bowles called Sanders' ejection "inexcusable". Pro Football Talk noted that Sanders was remorseful after his ejection.
The CFL's Toronto Argonauts also hold Sanders' rights. Other teams will focus on veteran roster cuts rather than claiming Sanders off waivers due to a rush of veterans being released.
Michael Irvin stated that by cutting Sanders early, the Buccaneers sent a message to the locker room that such actions will not be tolerated. He believes that this move could ultimately benefit both Shilo Sanders and the team. Irvin's comments suggest that Tampa Bay is not closing the door on Sanders' potential return.
Sanders remains eligible to be claimed by another team. If he goes unclaimed, he could still have a chance to return to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' practice squad.
