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Detroit Lions cut veteran DL, former Alabama star Isaiah Buggs

Matt Connollyby:Matt Connolly01/02/24

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Isaiah Buggs, Detroit Lions defensive lineman
Detroit defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs moves in on quarterback Justin Fields during a game on Jan. 1, 2023. (NurPhoto / Getty Images)

The Detroit Lions have cut veteran defensive lineman and former Alabama star Isaiah Buggs, according to Tom Pelissero.

The move comes after Buggs posted a goodbye message to Detroit earlier on Tuesday.

“Thank You Detroit For Everything. The Past Year Has Been Amazing, From Meeting New People, Playing With Great Teammates. But The Time Has Come For Me To Say Goodbye. Detroit 96 Out,” Buggs tweeted.

Isaiah Buggs was cut to make room for defensive tackle Alim McNeill, according to Pelissero. McNeill could be back from the IR this week.

Buggs appeared in eight games for the Lions this season, recording eight tackles, including a sack.

He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL draft out of Alabama and spent three seasons with the Steelers.

During his time in Pittsburgh, Isaiah Buggs appeared in 29 games. He recorded 29 tackles over three seasons.

From Pittsburgh, Buggs went to the Lions. As mentioned, he played in all 17 games for the Lions in 2022, before appearing in eight games this season.

Before starting his NFL career, Buggs had a great season at Alabama in 2018. He was named All-SEC that season after leading Alabama with 9.5 sacks, which ranked fourth in the SEC. He had 51 tackles, including 13.5 tackles for loss that season.

Dan Campbell ready to move on after controversial loss to Cowboys

In other Lions news, head coach Dan Campbell is ready to move on after the controversial ending to the Cowboys game over the weekend.

Campbell has settled down, he said Monday during his weekly press conference.

“I’m good. I woke up yesterday — I’m ready man,” Campbell told reporters. “I’ve got controlled fury, and I’m ready to go. I’m absolutely ready to go.”

The Lions are preparing to play their rival — the Minnesota Vikings this weekend.

Detroit can improve its playoff standing with a win and some help, and that’s what Campbell is focused on.

“I don’t go the other way and the team won’t either,” Campbell said. “We are on a mission and we’re not going to feel sorry for ourselves and wallow in everything. We had plays to make and we didn’t make them. It’s a tight game, a good opponent, playoff-type atmosphere and you have to make that one extra play, and we didn’t. So, we will use this as fuel. I got pure octane right now. I woke up and I’m ready. So, we’re moving forward.”