The Cleveland Browns may have wrapped up the season at the bottom of the AFC North, but don’t let that finish fool you - there’s a lot more going right than wrong in Cleveland, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
Let’s start with the obvious: Myles Garrett put his name in the record books by breaking the sack record, reaffirming his status as one of the most dominant defensive forces in the game. But he wasn’t the only one making noise. Carson Schwesinger, the rookie linebacker, gave fans a glimpse of a very bright future, showing instincts and athleticism that are rare for a first-year player.
And then there’s Devin Bush, who might just be the biggest surprise of the season - and perhaps the Browns’ most important decision heading into the offseason.
Devin Bush: From Bounce-Back to Breakout
After a few up-and-down seasons with Pittsburgh, Bush came to Cleveland with something to prove. In 2025, he didn’t just prove it - he exploded. The 27-year-old linebacker turned in a career-best campaign, putting together a stat line that reads like something out of a Pro Bowl highlight reel: 125 total tackles, three interceptions (two returned for touchdowns), eight passes defended, two forced fumbles, two sacks, and a 64.2 passer rating allowed in coverage.
One of those pick-sixes? A 97-yard sprint that showcased not just his awareness and hands, but elite closing speed and vision in the open field. That kind of play flips games - and seasons.
Bush led the NFL in pick-sixes this year, and that kind of production from the linebacker position is rare. He’s not just plugging gaps and chasing down backs - he’s making game-changing plays in coverage, something every modern defense craves.
A Core Piece for a Contender-Level Defense
The Browns have questions to answer on offense - no doubt. Wide receiver, offensive line, tight end, running back, and yes, quarterback - all areas that need attention. But letting Bush walk would be a step backward for a defense that’s quietly become one of the league’s most balanced and dangerous units.
Pairing Bush with Schwesinger gives Cleveland one of the most athletic and versatile linebacker duos in the NFL. Add in Garrett up front and a deep, talented secondary, and you’ve got a defense that can win games - not just keep the team in them.
Bush is entering his eighth season, but the way he played in 2025 suggests he’s just now hitting his stride. The Browns took a calculated risk bringing him in.
It paid off. Now it’s time to double down.
Why Re-Signing Bush Should Be a Top Priority
Every offseason, teams go hunting for “diamond-in-the-rough” players - those undervalued veterans who suddenly find their form and become key contributors. The Browns already have one in Bush. Letting him walk now, after he’s proven he can be that guy, would be a tough pill to swallow.
He’s become a leader on the field, a playmaker in every phase, and a stabilizing force in a defense that’s built to dominate. With so many offensive pieces to figure out, Cleveland can’t afford to create new holes on defense - especially not at linebacker, where Bush has become the anchor.
Andrew Berry and the front office have a clear choice: lock up one of their most productive defenders or risk watching him thrive elsewhere. Bush has earned that long-term deal - not just with stats, but with impact.
If Cleveland is serious about building a championship-caliber roster, it starts with keeping the guys who are already playing like champions. Devin Bush is one of them.