The Denver Broncos' defense turned heads in 2025 - a unit that consistently kept them in games and carried more than its fair share of the load. But even great defenses have soft spots, and for Denver, the inside linebacker position remains one of them. With Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad set to hit free agency and Dre Greenlaw battling durability concerns, the Broncos find themselves in need of a reliable presence in the middle of the field.
Enter Devin Bush - a name that might raise eyebrows for Broncos fans, but one that deserves a closer look.
Devin Bush: A Free Agent Worth Watching
Bush, now seven seasons into his NFL career, is coming off a strong 2025 campaign with the Cleveland Browns. Originally a first-round pick by the Steelers in 2019, Bush has since made stops in Seattle and Cleveland. And while his journey has been anything but linear, his performance last season was a clear reminder of the talent that made him a top-10 pick.
In 2025, Bush racked up 125 tackles, seven tackles for loss, two sacks, three interceptions, eight passes defended, and two forced fumbles. Those numbers don’t just fill a stat sheet - they jump off it.
Two of those interceptions were returned for touchdowns, both off tipped passes, showcasing his instincts and ability to turn defense into instant offense. It’s the kind of production that gets noticed - especially in a contract year.
At 5'11", 234 pounds, Bush isn't the biggest linebacker in the league, but he plays fast and physical. He’s shown he can cover tight ends and running backs - a skill set that’s become essential in today’s NFL, where offenses are constantly scheming to isolate linebackers in space. And that’s exactly where the Broncos have struggled in recent years: covering the middle of the field.
Why Bush Makes Sense in Denver
The Broncos don’t need a complete overhaul on defense - they need a few targeted upgrades. Bush could be one of them. He brings a rare combination of speed, strength, and coverage ability that would immediately elevate the second level of Vance Joseph’s defense.
Denver has been burned too often by tight ends and running backs exploiting soft zones and mismatches in the middle. Bush, with his athleticism and playmaking instincts, could help close that gap.
He’s not just a tackler - he’s a disruptor. And in a defense that already boasts stars at multiple levels, adding a linebacker who can fly around and create turnovers could be the missing piece.
If Joseph sees a fit, Bush could slot in as an every-down linebacker, capable of handling coverage responsibilities while also being a force against the run. He’s shown he can make plays in big moments, and his experience across multiple defensive systems could make his transition to Denver smoother than most.
The Risk Factor
Of course, it’s not all upside. Bush’s injury history is well-documented.
A torn ACL in 2020, followed by groin and shoulder issues in 2021 and 2023, have raised legitimate concerns about his long-term durability. And while he stayed healthy in 2025 and played some of his best football, teams will be asking the same question: was that a contract-year surge, or a sign of things to come?
The Broncos already took a swing on a talented but injury-prone linebacker in Dre Greenlaw. Doubling down on another player with a similar track record carries obvious risk - especially if Bush commands a deal in the $15 million range, as projected.
It’s also worth noting that this year’s free-agent linebacker class is deep, and the draft has some intriguing prospects as well. Denver has options, and they may choose to go with a younger, more cost-controlled player rather than investing big money in a veteran with medical red flags.
Final Thoughts
There’s no denying Bush’s talent. He’s a former first-rounder who just put together a highly productive season and still has plenty of football left at 27 years old. If the Broncos believe his 2025 performance is sustainable - and that his injury history is behind him - he could be exactly the kind of addition that transforms a good defense into a great one.
Bush wouldn’t just fill a need - he could redefine the middle of the field for Denver. And in a league where matchups are everything, having a linebacker who can cover, hit, and make game-changing plays is a luxury few teams can afford to pass up.
The question now is whether the Broncos are willing to bet on Bush being more than just a contract-year flash. If they are, and if he stays healthy, he could be a game-changer in orange and blue.