The Cleveland Browns have received some rough news regarding one of their top free agents.
The Cleveland Browns have had a miserable financial situation for several years now, and it isn't getting much better this offseason.
The Browns currently have just $3.2 million in cap room heading into free agency, and while that is a bit better than last spring, it obviously still isn't ideal.
Not only will Cleveland have a tough time signing any new players, but it will also face challenges when it comes to retaining its own impending free agents, and that includes linebacker Devin Bush.
Bush had a brilliant campaign for the Browns in 2025, racking up 125 tackles, a couple of sacks, three interceptions (including a pair of pick-sixes) and eight passes defended.
The 27-year-old is hitting the open market next month, and Pro Football Focus has ranked him eighth on its list of the top 250 free agents. It also projected him to land a three-year, $36 million contract.
Devin Bush. Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images."Bush produced just one 60.0-plus PFF grade from 2019 through 2023, but he has broken out over his two seasons with the Cleveland Browns," PFF wrote. "He finished the 2025 season with an 87.6 PFF grade that ranked fourth among all linebackers, and his three interceptions tied for third at the position."
Bush was originally selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 10th overall pick of the 2019 NFL Draft and spent his first four seasons with the Steelers, failing to live up to expectations. He then linked up with the Seattle Seahawks for one year in 2023 before joining the Browns.
The University of Michigan product logged 76 tackles and a sack in a part-time role during his debut campaign in Cleveland before completely breaking through in 2025.
Because the Browns don't have a whole lot of money to spend as it is, it seems pretty unlikely that they will be able to retain Bush, especially considering that he does not play a premium position.
Cleveland can attempt to replace Bush through the NFL Draft, where the Browns own a hefty 10 selections this April.
Bush may have been a significant part of Cleveland's elite defense this past season, but if you aren't Myles Garrett, you are replaceable.
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