Shilo Sanders Gets Look From 49ers fter Bucs Release

After being waived by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at final cuts, former Colorado Buffaloes defensive back Shilo Sanders is drawing interest from the San Francisco 49ers (3–0) as injuries test the depth of the undefeated team, according to CBS News.

The 49ers have invited multiple defenders for tryouts, not just Sanders. The group includes defensive ends William Bradley-King and Titus Leo; defensive backs Brandon Joseph and Jaylen Mahoney; and linebacker Isaiah Thomas. Another defensive back invited is the older brother of Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson.

Sanders went undrafted but earned a preseason spot with Tampa Bay as a free agent and lasted until the final exhibition game. He was ejected on Aug. 23 against the Bills after throwing a punch at tight end Zach Davidson—an incident that preceded the team’s final roster decisions.

Head coach Todd Bowles criticized the conduct without directly tying it to the cut: “You can’t throw punches in this league… that’s inexcusable… Gotta grow from that.” The NFL later fined Sanders $4,669 for his role.

If Sanders lands with San Francisco and is activated, he could be in line for a quick test—potentially facing the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sept. 28, a matchup that could pit him against former Colorado teammate and 2025 No. 2 draft pick Travis Hunter.

For now, Sanders’ path back runs through the 49ers’ evaluation process as they sort through secondary reinforcements.