Cowboys Hand Veteran DB a Stunning Second Chance - Redemption Hinges on Medical Clearance

The Dallas Cowboys have reached a verbal agreement with defensive back Shilo Sanders, according to multiple league sources, with the deal pending a medical evaluation. The move highlights Dallas’ continued search for depth in the secondary ahead of the 2025 season.

Sanders, 25, brings both pedigree and production. The son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, he carved out his own résumé across stints at South Carolina, Jackson State, and Colorado, showing versatility as a defensive back and playmaker. Over 41 career games, he posted 161 tackles, 11 interceptions, and six forced fumbles, including a standout 2023 season at Colorado where he led the Buffaloes in solo tackles.

His journey to Dallas, however, has been anything but easy. Sanders went undrafted in 2025 before signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, only to be released on August 24 after a preseason ejection for unnecessary roughness. That setback left his NFL future in doubt, but the Cowboys now see an opportunity to add competition to their defensive backfield.

Injuries remain the biggest question mark. Sanders suffered a torn ACL in 2022 and missed further time in 2024 due to lingering issues. Those concerns are why Dallas has made the agreement contingent on a full medical clearance before moving forward.

For the Cowboys, the timing is calculated. Injuries and roster turnover have tested depth in the secondary, and Sanders’ ability to line up at both safety and corner — along with potential contributions on special teams — make him a versatile option worth a closer look.

Reaction has been divided. Critics argue that Sanders carries too much risk, while supporters believe Dallas’ infrastructure and locker-room culture could give him the right platform to succeed.

Sanders himself voiced determination. “They call me a gamble, they say I’m too broken to last — but all I need is belief. The Cowboys gave me what others wouldn’t, and I promise I’ll repay it by giving every ounce of fight in silver and blue.”

If he clears his medical evaluation, Sanders could find not just a roster spot in Dallas, but the opportunity to write a redemption story in one of the NFL’s biggest markets.