Shilo Sanders was not happy with his father-turned-agent, Deion Sanders’ work. The former Colorado safety was already ranked as a Round 7 prospect at best pre-draft. His game was decent enough for him to potentially get drafted as a Round 5 or 6 prospect, had off-field factors not tarnished his image.
Shilo’s involvement in assault lawsuits and declaring bankruptcy left a dent in his public image and played a pivotal role in him ending up as an undrafted free agent in the 2025 NFL Draft. Following the draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed the safety as an undrafted free agent, but only after he changed his approach — and his agent.
Shilo Sanders Fires Dad Deion Sanders as His Agent, Hires New Representation
Coach Prime’s son had to make an urgent decision without delay, and he decided not to let his father call the shots as his agent anymore.
“Dad was our agent, but that hasn’t been working out too good. So today I had to sign with an agent,” Sanders said, laughing during their Twitch livestream on Day 3 of the NFL Draft, where his brother Shedeur Sanders was also present.
The laugh led fans to believe it was another father-son joking moment until Shilo’s new agent, Drew Rosenhaus, officially welcomed him into their agency family via social media. After joining Rosenhaus Sports, Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey got him a contract as an undrafted free agent with the Buccaneers.
The Colorado safety will still have a chip on his shoulder, though. He must prove himself to earn a seat on Todd Bowles’ squad. On the brighter side, if he gets selected, Sanders will have a chance to learn from experienced defensive backs like Antoine Winfield Jr. and Jamel Dean.
Would Shedeur Sanders Have Been Drafted Higher With an Agent?
Sanders signing a contract right after hiring proper representation naturally raises a similar question for his brother, Shedeur. Was there a chance for the quarterback to get drafted before Round 5, possibly in Round 1, where he was initially projected?
Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio believes, “It could be wise for Shedeur to do the same, whether it’s Rosenhaus or someone else.”
Sanders was a talented quarterback prospect, but he didn’t have anyone to advocate for his interests.
“During Shedeur’s slide, an agent could have been burning up the phone lines to say whatever needed to be said to get him drafted earlier, with a contract that would have paid much more, along with a draft-pick investment that would have secured his spot on the 53-man roster,” Florio further explains.
Shedeur Sanders does not have an agent so far; his father, Coach Prime, continues to serve that role. However, the new Cleveland Browns QB will mostly be on his own in the NFL, from earning a roster spot to competing for a starting role in the future.
It will be interesting to see whether Sanders continues counting on his dad or decides to get a third party involved.