He spent three seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers (2019-21), but Isaiah Buggs is hopeful that his next home in the National Football League is around the corner.
Tom Pelissero, a reporter for NFL Network, said Buggs will participate in rookie minicamp for the Minnesota Vikings this weekend on a tryout basis. Buggs, a sixth-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, totaled 31 tackles and a pass deflection in 29 career games with the Steelers. Pittsburgh released him on Jan. 8, and he was signed to the Las Vegas Raiders’ practice squad nine days later.
Former #Steelers NT Isaiah Buggs will be at #Vikings rookie minicamp, source said, on a tryout basis.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 13, 2022
A Louisiana native, Buggs played at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College for two years before transferring to Alabama.
Alabama DE Isaiah Buggs (#49) celebrates a big play in the 2018 Sugar Bowl matchup versus Clemson/Photo comes via Kevin Jairaj – USA Today Sports
He became an impactful defensive end in 2017 and 2018 for the Crimson Tide. Buggs played in 14 games — 13 starts — in 2017, totaling 51 tackles, four tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and seven quarterback hurries. He assisted Alabama’s defense to allow 11.9 points per game and win a College Football Playoff National Championship. As a senior, Buggs was a dominant force in the SEC.
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He collected 51 tackles, 13.5 stops for loss, 9.5 sacks (team-high), six quarterback hurries, three pass breakups, and two forced fumbles. Buggs helped the Crimson Tide to an SEC Championship and returned the team to CFP. Alabama earned a victory over Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl before suffering a loss to Clemson in the national title matchup. Buggs received second-team All-American and second-team All-SEC honors for his performance. He eyes a chance to find a new team in the pros.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
