Browns Face Tough Choice on Retaining Star Linebacker Devin Bush

Rising salary demands may force Cleveland to prioritize other key roster needs over re-signing the 27-year-old playmaker.

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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Linebacker Devin Bush, who had a standout 2025 season with the Cleveland Browns, is expected to be a highly sought-after free agent this offseason. However, the Browns' salary cap challenges, including the need to restructure quarterback Deshaun Watson's contract, may make it difficult for the team to re-sign Bush at his projected market value of around $9 million per season. The Browns may instead choose to address offensive needs through the draft and free agency, potentially allowing Bush to depart and finding a replacement through the draft.

Why it matters

Devin Bush's potential departure would be a significant loss for the Browns' defense, which has relied on his playmaking ability. The team must weigh the value of retaining Bush against the need to strengthen the offense and address other roster priorities within their limited salary cap space.

The details

Bush, originally selected 10th overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2019, revived his career with a strong 2025 season in Cleveland, recording 125 tackles and two interception touchdowns. However, the Browns face significant salary cap challenges, including the need to restructure quarterback Deshaun Watson's contract to free up around $35 million in cap space. This financial adjustment is necessary for the Browns to address critical offensive needs, such as strengthening the offensive line, acquiring a tackle, wide receiver, or tight end, and potentially upgrading the quarterback position.

  • The NFL's legal tampering period for 2026 free agents is approaching in less than three weeks.
  • Bush is expected to be a highly sought-after free agent this offseason.

The players

Devin Bush

A 27-year-old linebacker who had a standout 2025 season with the Cleveland Browns, recording 125 tackles and two interception touchdowns.

Deshaun Watson

The Browns' quarterback, whose contract the team is preparing to restructure to free up around $35 million in salary cap space.

Andrew Berry

The Browns' General Manager, who is managing the team's salary cap challenges.

Mike Rutenberg

The Browns' defensive coordinator.

Carson Schwesinger

A rookie sensation who played alongside Devin Bush in the Browns' defense.

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What they’re saying

“Unsurprisingly, Willis is in the top 10 on @TheAthleticNFL's list of top 150 free agents. Devin Bush is in the top 30 and he's going to get paid handsomely by someone.”

— Zac Jackson, Browns Reporter (Twitter)

What’s next

The Browns will need to make a decision on whether to re-sign Devin Bush or allow him to depart in free agency as they work to address their salary cap challenges and strengthen the roster, particularly on offense.

The takeaway

The Browns face a difficult decision in balancing their defensive needs with their salary cap constraints and offensive priorities. Retaining Devin Bush would be valuable for their defense, but the team may ultimately need to let him depart in free agency to focus on addressing other critical roster needs.