The Cleveland Browns didn’t finish as the top team in the AFC North, finishing last in the division, but there were a lot of positive takeaways from the year.

Myles Garrett broke the sack record, Carson Schwesinger led a rookie class that showed a lot of promise, and veteran linebacker, formerly with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Devin Bush, had a breakout season.

Following two pick-sixes this season, which led the NFL, the Browns have a big decision with Bush. He’s a free agent, but CBS Sports’ Zachary Pereles is urging the Browns not to let Bush go and re-sign him to a long-term deal instead.

Browns urged to re-sign Devin Bush after breakout 2025

“Devin Bush has been a diamond-in-the-rough find for Cleveland, and he delivered a strong 2025 that included three interceptions – two of which were returned for touchdowns – and 125 tackles,” Pereles writes.

Letting such a “diamond-in-the-rough” player walk this offseason would be a mistake for the Browns. They have a lot of needs on the offensive side of the ball at wide receiver, offensive line, tight end, running back, and even quarterback.

But, despite all of those needs, Bush and the defensive side of the ball cannot go without addressing. Re-signing Bush, who’s entering his 8th season in 2026, should be a big priority for the Browns.

He was one of the best linebackers last season. He finished the year with three interceptions, including two pick-sixes, one of which was a 97-yarder.

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Bush also had eight passes defended, two forced fumbles, one recovery, two sacks, 125 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, and a career-best 64.2 passer rating in coverage.

He’s finally reaching his top-10 potential the Steelers took a chance on in the 2019 NFL Draft. Bush is a star, and the Browns should not let him leave this offseason.

Pereles points out how he’s a “diamond-in-the-rough,” and teams are always trying to find those players. Andrew Berry and the Browns should not, under any circumstances, let him go this offseason.

A Schwesinger and Bush linebacker duo is one of the best in the NFL, and with Garrett along the defensive line and the strong secondary, the Browns’ defense will be a strength to rely on.

Cleveland should not let Bush walk this offseason, as the 27-year-old linebacker should be their top priority this offseason, and someone they should not let walk to join a new team after two seasons with the Browns.

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