The Toronto Argonauts are keeping an option open for Shilo Sanders to continue playing professional football.
The Argos added the defensive back to their negotiation list, securing exclusive CFL rights to the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders.
The move comes shortly after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers waived Sanders following a pre-season ejection in a game against the Buffalo Bills. The 24-year-old was penalized and disqualified for throwing a punch at tight end Zach Davidson, prompting Tampa Bay to release him the next day.
By adding Sanders to their negotiation list, the Argonauts gain the right to sign him if he chooses the CFL as to where he continues his professional career. Each CFL team can claim up to 45 players on its list, which operates on a first-come, first-served basis and does not require the player’s consent.
Sanders, who transferred from South Carolina to Jackson State and later played at Colorado with his father, appeared in 32 college games. He recorded 149 tackles, six forced fumbles and one interception during his NCAA career.
This isn’t the first time Toronto has targeted a member of the Sanders family. Earlier this summer, the Argos added quarterback Shedeur Sanders — currently with the Cleveland Browns — to their negotiation list.