The Cleveland Browns are trying to close a deal with a top free agent.
The Cleveland Browns have holes all over the place heading into NFL free agency, so it's not like they will be able to fill all of them in one fell swoop this offseason.
However, the Browns can still do something to ensure they are in a better position going into 2026, and that includes retaining some of their own players.
Linebacker Devin Bush should be at the top of the list in that department, as the 27-year-old just enjoyed a breakout 2025 campaign in Cleveland.
Bush is one of the top defensive players prepared to hit the open market this week, but the Browns don't want to let him get there.
ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi has reported that Cleveland is attempting to re-sign Bush before the legal tampering period for free agency begins Monday at noon ET.
Or at least at some point.
“The Browns’ top unrestricted free agent on defense is linebacker Devin Bush. The 2019 first-round pick has made a little less than $5 million over the past two seasons in Cleveland, but he’s due for a pay raise after posting career highs in tackles (125) and interceptions (3) in 2025," Oyefusi wrote. "The Browns met with Bush’s representation at the combine and are hoping to retain him on a new deal."
Devin Bush. Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images.Bush joined Cleveland back in 2024 and registered 76 tackles and a sack during his debut campaign with the club before establishing himself as one of the NFL's best off-ball linebackers this past season.
The University of Michigan product 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, enjoying an impressive rookie campaign but fading his final three years.
Bush then spent one season with the Seattle Seahawks in 2023 before linking up with the Browns.
Spotrac is projecting Bush to land a three-year, $27 million contract, and given the Browns' rather delicate financial situation, that's a decent chunk of cash for a player who doesn't play a premium position.
But it appears that Cleveland is certainly enamored with Bush and would like to have him back in the fold.
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