Linebacker Devin Bush has remained a notable name in the NFL because of his elite athleticism, first-round pedigree, and recent move to the Chicago Bears. After rebuilding his career in recent seasons, Bush is once again attracting attention from analysts and fans. His speed, college dominance, and improving Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades have helped shape his reputation as a productive defensive playmaker.
Below is a detailed look at Bush’s career, including his college background, NFL performance, 40-yard dash time, and trade or contract discussions.
Devin Bush and the Chicago Bears
The Bears strengthened their defense by signing Devin Bush to a three-year deal worth around $30 million, aiming to add speed and aggression to the linebacker unit.
Chicago’s defensive system values fast, downhill linebackers who can cover sideline-to-sideline. Bush fits that profile perfectly thanks to his quick reaction speed and tackling ability.
The move also reflects the team’s effort to build a younger and more explosive defense, particularly at linebacker. Bush’s experience and playmaking instincts could make him a key contributor in the Bears’ defensive scheme.
Is Devin Bush Good?
Evaluating whether Bush is “good” depends on the stage of his career. Early in the NFL, he showed tremendous potential as a top-10 pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. However, injuries and inconsistent performance slowed his development.
Recently, his form has improved significantly:
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Strong tackling numbers
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Playmaking ability in coverage
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High impact in run defense
According to reports, Bush ranked fourth among linebackers overall in PFF grades in a recent season, while also ranking high in both run defense and pass coverage metrics.
Those rankings suggest he has rediscovered the level of play that made him one of the league’s most exciting young linebackers.
Devin Bush College Career
Before entering the NFL, Bush starred at the University of Michigan Wolverines football.
During his college career:
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Played 38 games for Michigan
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Recorded 191 tackles and 10 sacks
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Earned Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2018
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Won the Butkus-Fitzgerald Linebacker of the Year award
Bush’s leadership and production made him one of the top defensive players in college football, which ultimately led to his selection in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
Devin Bush 40-Yard Dash Time
One of the biggest reasons Bush became a highly regarded prospect was his elite athleticism.
At the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine, he recorded:
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40-yard dash: 4.43 seconds
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Vertical jump: 40.5 inches
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Bench press: 21 reps
His 4.43-second 40-yard dash placed him among the fastest linebackers in the class, demonstrating exceptional speed for the position.
That speed allows Bush to cover running backs and tight ends while also pursuing ball carriers across the field.
Devin Bush PFF Grade and Performance
Analytics from Pro Football Focus (PFF) highlight Bush’s strengths as a modern linebacker. Recent evaluations placed him:
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Top 5 among linebackers overall
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Top 10 in run defense
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Top 5 in coverage performance
These metrics indicate Bush’s ability to contribute in multiple phases of defense, which is extremely valuable in today’s pass-heavy NFL.
His ability to quickly diagnose plays and explode toward the ball has helped him regain momentum after earlier career setbacks.
Trade Rumors and Career Movement
Bush entered the league after the Pittsburgh Steelers traded up in the 2019 draft to select him with the 10th overall pick.
Throughout his career, Bush has experienced several team changes and speculation about potential trades. Movement between teams often happens when franchises look to reshape their defensive units or add experienced depth.
His latest contract with the Bears suggests teams still view him as a valuable defensive asset capable of impacting games.
Future Outlook
At 27 years old, Devin Bush still has plenty of time to build a strong second chapter in his career. If he continues producing at a high level and stays healthy, he could become a cornerstone linebacker for Chicago.
His combination of speed, experience, and defensive intelligence makes him a player worth watching in the coming NFL seasons.
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