Once the Steelers’ hope for the future, Devin Bush seems to have found a new home with the Browns at long last. Coming off a career year in 2025, he is expected to be a “high priority” for Cleveland this offseason. Since leaving Pittsburgh, the former first-round pick has operated on one-year “prove it” deals.
But that will change this offseason, and the Browns hope to be the team to change it. According to Mary Kay Cabot, they are hoping to sign Bush to a long-term contract commensurate with the salaries of a typical starting inside linebacker in the NFL.
Last season, Devin Bush recorded 125 tackles, including 7 for loss, with 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 3 interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns. He did not make the Pro Bowl, but he certainly regained the league’s attention.
And quite possibly for the first time since his rookie season. In 2019, the Steelers traded up 10 spots in the first round to draft Devin Bush 10th overall. He was an immediate starter and recorded the first 100-tackle season by a rookie in team history. His two interceptions and 4 recovered fumbles helped him finish third in the Defensive Rookie of the Year voting.
But he was never able to come close to duplicating those numbers, his career derailing after a torn ACL five games into his second season. While he wasn’t playing lights-out up to that point, Bush clearly suffered from that injury. Especially the following season in 2021, he exhibited obvious tentativeness in his play.
The Steelers did not pick up Devin Bush’s fifth-year option and he signed a one-year deal with the Seahawks in 2023. He spent most of that season as a backup, but he started against Pittsburgh, registering 18 tackles in a loss.
In 2024, Bush returned to the AFC North, signing with the Browns on a one-year deal. Over time, he started 10 of 16 games, earning a full-time job this past season. He looked to be at his most comfortable by far in half a decade.
In Devin Bush, the Browns envision a long-term starting pairing for reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year Carson Schwesinger. Bush is still 27 years old, having been just 20 years old on draft night. Conceivably, he could have nearly another decade of solid play under his belt. Even half of that would suffice.
Since striking out on Devin Bush, the Steelers have continued to seek solutions at inside linebacker. In 2024, they hit free agency and brought in Patrick Queen, also drafting Payton Wilson in the third round. But they haven’t had a linebacker put up a season like Bush just did for the Browns since the days of Ryan Shazier—the shadow they have been chasing for nearly a decade.