As of February 2026, Shilo Sanders, the former Colorado Buffaloes safety and son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, is not in the United Football League (UFL). His absence from the spring league is primarily due to his ongoing pursuit of an NFL roster spot and the specific timing of the professional football calendar.
The NFL Pursuit
The most direct reason Shilo Sanders is not in the UFL is that he has spent the last year focused on the NFL. After going undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft, Shilo signed as an undrafted free agent (UDFA) with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His stint in Tampa was short-lived. He was waived in August 2025 after a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills, during which he was ejected for throwing a punch.
Since his release, Sanders has remained a free agent, reportedly participating in workouts for teams like the San Francisco 49ers. For many players of his caliber, the primary goal remains the “Big League.” Entering the UFL is often seen as a secondary option for those who have exhausted their immediate NFL opportunities.
Sanders has likely weighed the UFL vs. the NFL, and for now, a spring league is not his focus.
Timing And The UFL Schedule
The UFL operates as a spring league, with its season running from late March through June. Because Shilo was active in an NFL training camp during the late summer of 2025 and subsequently spent the fall as a free agent hoping for a mid-season signing or practice squad call-up, the window for the 2025 UFL season had already closed.
While analysts and sports media have suggested the 2026 UFL season as a logical landing spot for him to gain “tape” and professional experience, his eligibility and participation would depend on his signing a contract before the league’s training camps begin.
Alternative Professional Options
Beyond the UFL, Shilo has other professional avenues that may be taking priority or acting as a deterrent to a UFL contract:
- CFL Rights: The Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League (CFL) currently hold Shilo’s exclusive negotiating rights. If he chooses to play outside the United States, Toronto is his mandatory destination.
- Legal and Financial Focus: Sanders has navigated complex legal hurdles, including a high-profile Chapter 7 bankruptcy case stemming from an $11.3 million judgment against him. These proceedings, which involve scrutiny of his NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) earnings, may impact his availability or the financial viability of playing in a developmental league like the UFL, where salaries are significantly lower than NFL standards.
Summary
Shilo Sanders is currently a free agent in the truest sense. While the UFL offers young players a platform to prove their worth, Sanders appears to be holding out for a return to the NFL or weighing his options between the CFL and other professional opportunities. Unless one of the eight UFL teams steps up and signs Shilo for the 2026 spring season, he will remain on the outside looking in.