Cleveland Browns Lose Breakout Linebacker Devin Bush in Free Agency

Bush signs 3-year, $30M deal with Chicago Bears after career-reviving season in Cleveland

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Cleveland Browns have lost linebacker Devin Bush to the Chicago Bears in free agency, a major blow after Bush's breakout 2025 season. Bush, who was expected to be a rotational player, emerged as a standout performer for the Browns, recording over 120 tackles and 3 interceptions, 2 of which he returned for touchdowns. His departure leaves the Browns with questions at the linebacker position, as they look to replace his production and physicality.

Why it matters

Devin Bush's departure is a significant loss for the Browns, who were counting on him to anchor their linebacker corps after the injury to Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. His ability to make plays in both the run and pass game made him a key part of the Browns' defensive success last season. The Browns now have to find a way to replace his production and leadership on that side of the ball.

The details

Bush agreed to a 3-year, $30 million contract with the Chicago Bears, with $21 million guaranteed. This is a major payday for the linebacker, who went from an expected rotational player to a standout performer in 2025. He recorded over 120 tackles and 3 interceptions, 2 of which he returned for touchdowns, earning him consideration for All-Pro honors.

  • Devin Bush agreed to the 3-year, $30 million deal with the Chicago Bears on March 9, 2026.

The players

Devin Bush

A linebacker who had a breakout season for the Cleveland Browns in 2025, earning consideration for All-Pro honors after recording over 120 tackles and 3 interceptions, 2 of which he returned for touchdowns.

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah

A Browns linebacker who was expected to miss significant time in 2025 due to injury, leaving the team with questions at the position.

Carson Schwesinger

A rookie linebacker who stepped up for the Browns in 2025 alongside Devin Bush.

Drew Rosenhaus

Devin Bush's agent, who negotiated the 3-year, $30 million contract with the Chicago Bears.

Kaden Elliss

A free agent linebacker who the Browns may pursue to help replace Devin Bush.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Browns will likely look to free agency to find a replacement for Devin Bush, with Kaden Elliss, Leo Chenal, and Nakobe Dean as potential targets. They may also address the linebacker position in the upcoming draft, though they are expected to focus more on the offensive side of the ball.

The takeaway

Devin Bush's departure is a significant loss for the Browns, who will now have to find a way to replace his production and physicality at the linebacker position. This is a blow to the Browns' defense, which will be under new leadership this season, and they will need to act quickly to shore up that unit if they want to maintain their defensive success from 2025.