Chiefs beef up defensive line depth with new addition ahead of playoffs

The Kansas City Chiefs are beefing up their defensive line depth ahead of the postseason. 

As first reported by NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the Chiefs are signing former Detroit Lions DT Isaiah Buggs to the practice squad. He's the second defensive tackle they've signed to the practice squad this week, following the re-signing of Matt Dickerson.

A former sixth-round draft pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2019, Buggs and the Lions parted ways this week after falling out of favor with the coaching staff in 2023. The 27-year-old appeared in just 10 games with three starts this season, recording 12 total tackles, one sack, a pass batted and a fumble recovery. 

He was a big part of the cultural shift and turnaround in Detroit in 2022, appearing in all 17 games, including 13 starts. That season, he had a career year statistically, with 46 total tackles, one sack, 10 QB hits, two passed batted, and a forced fumble. 

Why is Kansas City making this addition? Consider it a test run for the 2024 NFL season. The Chiefs only have one defensive tackle, Neil Farrell Jr., under contract beyond this year. Farrell Jr. has played just 28 snaps so far this season, and he hasn't played much in his two-year NFL career. 

In total, Buggs has 56 games of experience under his belt, including 23 career starts in five seasons. The 6-foot-3 and 335-pound defensive tackle is a fine run-stopper and offers some solid effort collapsing the pocket in the passing game.

No word on a corresponding move yet, but the Chiefs will need one to make room for Buggs on the practice squad.