San Francisco 49ers give Shilo Sanders a shot with a workout as he seeks redemption and a new NFL home
The San Francisco 49ers are leaving no stone unturned as they strive to build the most competitive roster possible. This commitment was on display Tuesday when the team held a workout for Shilo Sanders, the son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders. Although no contract has been signed yet, this opportunity allowed the 49ers’ coaching staff to evaluate Sanders’ skills firsthand.
Shilo Sanders’ Journey
Shilo Sanders wrapped up his college career at the University of Colorado last year. Despite showing promise, he went undrafted during the April NFL Draft. Shortly after, he signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent but found himself on the outside looking in after being cut following the final preseason game.
Early in the summer, head coach Todd Bowles acknowledged Sanders’ potential, praising the safety who had made a name for himself at Colorado. Unfortunately, things took a turn for the worse when Sanders was ejected from the Bucs’ preseason finale for throwing a punch, an incident that raised red flags about his temperament on the field.
Just days later, Sanders was waived, failing to secure a spot on Tampa Bay’s 53-man roster. He cleared waivers, but the Buccaneers opted not to add him to their practice squad, leaving him without a team.
A Second Chance?
Rumors have circulated about Sanders’ future, but his workout with the 49ers marks his first opportunity to showcase his abilities to an NFL team since his departure from Tampa Bay. While he was a reliable contributor at the college level, he never reached the star status that many anticipated. His 4.5-second 40-yard dash speed is impressive, though it does not quite match the electrifying athleticism of his father.
Now, Sanders faces the challenge of rebuilding his reputation after the blemish of his ejection. NFL teams are often hesitant to sign players with controversial backgrounds, especially those who could attract attention like Sanders. However, the 49ers’ willingness to explore a potential signing could open doors for the safety’s professional career.
As Shilo Sanders seeks redemption, this workout with the 49ers serves as a critical moment in his journey, one that could dictate the course of his NFL aspirations.
