On Tuesday, the NFL announced that they’ve lifted the suspension of former Detroit Lions defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs. The 2019 sixth-round selection was given a 10-game suspension by the league on August 29th for violating their Personal Conduct Policy.
Buggs was not on a team’s roster when the suspension was announced, having last been a part of the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice squad in 2024. Despite not playing in an NFL game for almost two years, Buggs most recently played for the San Antonio Brahmas of the UFL in the Spring of 2025, logging two sacks in four games. Following the announcement by the NFL, Buggs took to X, formerly Twitter, to let teams know that he is “ready to work”.
Lions-Buggs Reunion Could Make Sense From Football Perspective
Buggs, 29, split his five-year career playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Lions, recording 89 total tackles, four tackles for loss, two sacks, and four pass deflections in 56 games. With the Lions, Buggs had his most productive seasons, logging two sacks and 58 total tackles while starting in 16 of his 27 games with the team.
Although they haven’t shown interest in him, and his off-field issues may be too much for any NFL team to stomach, purely from a football standpoint the Lions could consider reuniting with Buggs. He was an integral piece to their success against the run in 2023, in which they ranked 2nd in rushing yards allowed (88.8) and 3rd in yards per carry (3.7).
While they remain dominant against the run, allowing just 94.3 rushing yards a game, their defense has suffered numerous injuries. The Lions currently have seven defenders on the injured reserve and could use all the help they can get for the playoff push.
Although their defensive line has remained relatively healthy, they must have experienced veterans in their depth, ready to go in case of an injury. Their line sustained numerous injuries last year, and it played a big factor in the team’s early exit from the playoffs. By signing Buggs, they’ll be adding a caliber run stuffer who can create pressure on the interior and who also has experience playing in their system.
With Buggs, they don’t have to give him a big workload and can work him in slowly. Buggs can compete for reps with interior defenders Mekhi Wingo and Tyleik Williams. In two seasons, Wingo has failed to establish a role in the rotation, appearing in just 214 snaps. In two seasons, he’s been unable to make an impact in either the pass or run game, logging only six total tackles and six hurries.
Meanwhile, Williams has underperformed in his rookie season. His 54.5 Pro Football Focus grade ranks 88th out of 122 interior defenders, whereas his 46.9 run defense grade ranks 99th. The first-round selection’s impactful play has led to a decrease in his workload over the last few weeks, playing in just 41 snaps in the last three games.
With the two being young players, it could benefit both them and the Lions if Buggs’ received more playing time than them. The Lions don’t have time to go through growing pains and must capitalize on their Super Bowl caliber-team.
Adding Buggs would strengthen their depth and give the Lions a viable run defender.