Devin Bush's journey in the NFL has been nothing short of a rollercoaster, but it looks like he's finally on the upswing. Once a first-round pick for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Bush faced challenges early on, struggling to find his footing. Now, at 27, he's poised for a bigger payday, being ranked as the No. 4 free-agent linebacker and the No. 31 overall free agent by Austin Gayle.
Bush's early career with the Steelers was marked by his athletic prowess-his speed and physicality were undeniable. However, the game seemed to overwhelm him at times. Standing at 5-foot-11 and 235 pounds, Bush found himself outmatched in the trenches, often a step behind the play as he adjusted to the pace of the NFL.
Despite these hurdles, Bush has turned things around with the Cleveland Browns. Last season, he racked up a career-high 125 tackles, started all 17 games, and showcased his playmaking ability with three interceptions, eight passes defended, and a couple of sacks. His efforts didn't go unnoticed, earning him a Pro Football Focus second-team All-Pro selection.
Bush's resurgence can be credited to his improved technique and confidence under the guidance of Jim Schwartz. With the game slowing down for him, Bush has become a force in the middle of the Browns' defense. This transformation is expected to earn him a lucrative contract in the range of $10-14 million per year.
Reflecting on Bush's path, it's clear that his journey hasn't been easy. Drafted 10th overall by the Steelers in 2019, he made an immediate impact but was derailed by an ACL injury in his second season. After losing his starting spot and having his fifth-year option declined, Bush moved on to the Seattle Seahawks and then the Browns.
Now, as Bush enters free agency, the league is watching to see if he can continue his upward trajectory. Whether he stays with the Browns or finds a new team, Bush's story is one of resilience and adaptation-a testament to his determination to succeed in the NFL.