The Chicago Bears are making major moves ahead of free agency. Head coach Ben Johnson has reportedly secured a key defensive piece, roping in a Browns linebacker in a multi-million dollar deal.

Although free agency officially begins tomorrow, one of the best defensive players in the league just joined the Chicago Bears. They have locked in Devin Bush as an NFL insider. Adam Schefter broke the news in an X post on Tuesday.

“Former Browns LB Devin Bush reached agreement today on a 3-year, $30 million deal that includes $21 million guaranteed with the Chicago Bears, per agent Drew Rosenhaus,” he wrote. 

27-year-old Bush is offered a $30 million contract for three years, out of which $21 million is guaranteed. The linebacker had spent only two seasons with the Browns, but left a lasting impression. In 2024, he played in 16 games, made 45 solo tackles out of 76, and recorded one sack. 

His career-best performance came in the 2025 season. Out of the 125 total tackles credited to him, 63 were solo, and 62 were assisted. Bush made two touchdowns, two sacks, two forced fumbles, and caught three interceptions for 164 yards. Bush’s exit is undoubtedly a dent in the league’s best defensive unit, led by Myles Garrett.

Meanwhile, the Bears Have Hit a Jackpot

The Bears had a remarkable run in the previous season. With an 11-6 record, they ranked first in the NFC North division, but fell short in the run for the Super Bowl Championship. In the postseason, they lost 20-17 against the Los Angeles Rams. 

Zachary Pereles of CBS Sports called Bush an “under-the-radar” linebacker and praised his comeback. Afterall, this development is a stark contrast to the dud years Bush faced previously. 

“Devin Bush was one of the NFL's best under-the-radar bounce-back stories in 2025.”

“Bush went from top-three finisher in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting in 2019 to hardly playing in 2023, but the last two years with the Browns show he has the athleticism and speed to get it done in the middle,” he wrote. 

Will the Browns feel his absence in the next season? Tell us your thoughts in the comments.

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi