With the loss of Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah to a serious neck injury last season, the Browns relied on several linebackers to step up in his absence. Devin Bush, Isaiah McGuire, and Winston Reid all played key roles in keeping Cleveland’s defense competitive, particularly after Owusu-Koramoah’s impressive start to the season was cut short.
Now, the Browns have ensured continuity at linebacker by re-signing Bush to a one-year, $3.25 million deal in free agency. The former first-round pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers quietly played a crucial role in Cleveland’s defense last season, and with this new contract, he’ll have an even greater opportunity to contribute moving forward.
Devin Bush Returns to Bolster Browns’ Defense
Cleveland has placed a strong emphasis on defensive moves early this offseason, re-signing Bush and adding pass rusher Joe Tryon-Shoyinka in the first week of free agency. While Bush will provide depth at traditional linebacker spots, Tryon-Shoyinka is expected to support Myles Garrett in the pass rush.
Bush’s performance in 2024 may not have stood out on the stat sheet, but his impact was undeniable. He earned a 79.2 PFF grade, ranking 16th out of 189 eligible linebackers. Despite his contributions, he wasn’t frequently mentioned as a potential loss, but week after week, he quietly proved to be one of the Browns’ most consistent defenders.
With the new league year officially underway, it remains to be seen whether Cleveland will continue its trend of signing under-the-radar defenders looking for redemption—like Tryon-Shoyinka—or if the team will take a bigger swing on a major signing or trade to round out the roster. Recent moves suggest the front office believes the Browns are already competitive heading into 2025.
The Browns’ Next Steps on Offense
Extending Myles Garrett and locking in key defensive pieces indicate Cleveland is focused on maintaining an elite defense. However, while the offense has its fair share of talent—most notably Jerry Jeudy—depth remains a concern. Finding a starting quarterback is still the biggest priority, and it certainly isn’t Kenny Pickett.
Beyond the quarterback position, an additional receiver or tight end could be beneficial. David Njoku remains a focal point, but adding insurance behind him and Jeudy would be wise. Cedric Tillman showed promise in 2024, yet his concussion history raises concerns about whether he can consistently contribute in 2025.
For now, the Browns are building depth, but if they want to take a real step forward in 2025, finding answers at quarterback and bolstering the offensive weapons should be next on their list.
