With Tremaine Edmunds being shown the door, the Chicago Bears had a major need for a defensive quarterback. As such, they turned to the AFC North for help, stealing veteran LB Devin Bush in free agency.
The Bears got the former first-round pick on a three-year, $30 million contract, and that move has gone somewhat overlooked so far. Nevertheless, he might as well end up being the most impactful newcomer in the Windy City in the 2026 season.
Bush was an absolute freak in Cleveland, getting his career back up after struggling with the Pittsburgh Steelers. If he can keep that momentum going in Chicago, he's going to be one of the best value contracts in the game.
Devin Bush will be a difference-maker in Chicago
Bush got off to a slow and disappointing start to his career, but he really turned the corner under Jim Schwarz's tutelage. In his two years in Northeast Ohio, he totaled 33 appearances (27 starts), 286 total tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 5 QB hits, 3.0 sacks, and three interceptions.
He's coming off leading the league in interception yards (164) and picking up a career-best three passes last season. Notably, he turned two of those interceptions into defensive touchdowns, and he also forced two fumbles, recovered one, and defended eight passes.
That type of production didn't go unnoticed. Pro Football Focus gave him an 87.6 overall grade, which was the fourth-highest among 88 eligible linebackers. He also ranked fourth in coverage grade (80.4) and was eighth in run defense grade (87.3).
More often than not, the defense held the Bears back last season. That shouldn't be an issue with Bush calling the shots and handling duties as Dennis Allen's new WILL linebacker. He's a high-volume tackler with an amazing nose for the ball, and his newfound ability to generate takeaways will come in handy for the league's leaders in forced turnovers last season.
He's not a high-profile guy, and some still believe he was only a product of the Browns' elite defense and strong system, given his early struggles. Some skepticism might be fair, which is also why he only got $30 million after posting such impressive numbers, but some players just need more time to figure things out.
Bush is the ultimate late bloomer. The Browns have already shown the blueprint to bring out the best in him. Once it's all said and done, Bears fans will be sending Ryan Poles thank-you notes for getting this deal done.
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