What Happened to Devin Bush Jr.?
Devin Bush Jr. is an American professional football linebacker who was a first-round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2019. After an impactful rookie season, his career was affected by an ACL injury in 2020. He subsequently played for the Seattle Seahawks and the Cleveland Browns, where he experienced a career resurgence in 2025, leading to a significant three-year deal with the Chicago Bears in March 2026.
Quick Answer
Devin Bush Jr. is currently a linebacker for the Chicago Bears, having signed a three-year, $30 million deal with the team on March 9, 2026. This move followed a career-best 2025 season with the Cleveland Browns, where he recorded 125 tackles, three interceptions (two returned for touchdowns), and eight passes defended, re-establishing himself as a top-tier linebacker after overcoming an ACL injury sustained earlier in his career.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline12 events
Born in Pembroke Pines, Florida
Devin Marquese Bush Jr. was born in Pembroke Pines, Florida. His father, Devin Bush Sr., was also an NFL player.
College Career at Michigan
Bush played college football for the Michigan Wolverines, earning Consensus All-American honors in 2018 and being named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year.
Drafted by Pittsburgh Steelers
Devin Bush Jr. was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round, 10th overall, of the 2019 NFL Draft.
PFWA All-Rookie Team Selection
In his rookie season, Bush recorded 109 tackles, two interceptions, and a defensive touchdown, earning PFWA All-Rookie Team honors.
Suffers Torn ACL
Bush sustained a torn ACL during Week 6 of the 2020 season, ending his season prematurely and impacting his subsequent performance.
Steelers Decline Fifth-Year Option
The Pittsburgh Steelers declined the fifth-year option on Bush's contract, making him a free agent after the 2022 season.
Signs with Seattle Seahawks
Bush signed a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks, playing in 13 games with three starts.
Signs with Cleveland Browns
Bush joined the Cleveland Browns on a one-year contract, appearing in 16 games with 10 starts during the 2024 season.
Re-signs with Cleveland Browns
Bush re-signed with the Browns on a one-year, $3.25 million contract, setting the stage for his career-best season.
First Pick-Six of 2025 Season
In Week 11 against the Baltimore Ravens, Bush recorded his first interception since 2019, returning it 23 yards for a touchdown.
Career-Best Performance in Week 18
In the final game of the 2025 season, Bush recorded a season-high 14 tackles and a 97-yard pick-six against the Cincinnati Bengals, earning AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors.
Signs with Chicago Bears
Devin Bush Jr. agreed to a three-year, $30 million deal with the Chicago Bears, including $21 million guaranteed, following his breakout 2025 season.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Devin Bush Jr.'s NFL journey began with high expectations after being selected 10th overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2019 NFL Draft. He quickly made an impact, leading all NFL rookies in tackles with 109 and earning PFWA All-Rookie honors in his debut season. His promising start, however, was derailed early in the 2020 season when he suffered a torn ACL, an injury that significantly impacted his performance and development in the subsequent years.
Following his recovery and a decline in production with the Steelers, the team declined his fifth-year option in May 2022, making him a free agent. Bush then signed a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks in March 2023, where he played in 13 games with three starts, primarily in a backup and special teams role. In March 2024, he moved to the Cleveland Browns on another one-year deal, appearing in 16 games with 10 starts and recording 76 combined tackles.
The turning point in Bush's career came during the 2025 season with the Browns. After re-signing on a one-year, $3.25 million contract in March 2025, he had a breakout year, starting all 17 games. He amassed a career-high 125 tackles, two sacks, three interceptions (two of which were returned for touchdowns, including a 97-yard pick-six in Week 18), and eight passes defended. His exceptional performance earned him AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors in Week 18 and made him one of the most sought-after linebackers in the 2026 free agency class.
As of March 9, 2026, Devin Bush Jr. has capitalized on his resurgent 2025 season by signing a lucrative three-year, $30 million contract with the Chicago Bears, with $21 million guaranteed. This move marks a significant new chapter for Bush, as he joins the Bears with expectations to be a plug-and-play starter and a key component of their defense, bringing speed and playmaking ability to the team. The Browns had expressed a desire to retain him, but Bush ultimately chose the significant offer from Chicago.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Devin Bush Jr. made different choices?