Former Kansas City Chiefs defender Isaiah Buggs is once again free to sign with any team after the league lifted a suspension on both Buggs and former Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker. The defensive lineman spent part of the 2023 season as a member of Kansas City's practice squad, winning a Super Bowl with the Chiefs at the end of the 2023 season. The Chiefs would quickly release the defender after signing him to a future/reserve deal based on a concerning legal situation.
Now, the league has reinstated the veteran defender, and Buggs is wasting no time making it clear he is ready to begin the next stage of his career. The defender posted a message on X saying, "I’m Ready To Work," in response to Aaron Wilson's report that the league would allow both Buggs and Tucker to return to an active roster. Still, there is no reason to wonder whether or not the Chiefs should consider a reunion.
Even when Buggs hadn't dealt with off-the-field issues, the lineman was an afterthought on Kansas City's roster. As much as the defensive line could use reinforcements, there truly isn't a valid reason to consider bringing back a player who isn't a proven contributor and was a distraction the last time he was on the Chiefs' roster.
Former Chiefs Defender Attempting to Generate Interest with Latest Post
Buggs is obviously posting this sentiment in hopes of generating interest in an underwhelming career. His latest experience in the UFL with the San Antonio Brahmas only further proves the desperate attempt to stay relevant. While it would be shocking to see the Chiefs consider a reunion, it is certainly possible that Buggs does get another opportunity on a practice squad of a desperate team looking for surprise contributors.
The best stretch of the defender's career came with the Detroit Lions when he played in all 17 games, including 13 starts. While the production wasn't elite, there was enough of a resume to suggest that Buggs' career would continue if not for the legal issues that arose.
Now, it is clear by what has transpired, as well as Buggs' post, that the future is incredibly uncertain. This is further evidenced by the fact that the Chiefs could use reinforcements along the defensive line, but in no way should they consider bringing Buggs back into the fold. There isn't enough of a potential ceiling to offset the obvious character concerns.
For Buggs, it is going to be an uphill battle to reestablish himself at this level. The lineman must be willing to take a practice squad role and work his way back onto an active roster. Even this happening is going to be difficult, judging from the lack of reps over the last three seasons and the obvious off-the-field issues that will give teams hesitation when considering the potential signing.