The dynamics that make up NFL careers are wild. 

Specifically, I'm talking about the dynamics involved in the life of a former first-round pick that doesn't work out. I mean, think about it: A team trades up, or simply drafts, a player and the idea/hope is the two parties will be together for the next decade. Both couldn't be happier in that moment and the future is nothing but a bright, exciting one.

Then, in a span of just a few years, that player is looking for a new NFL home and his former team is looking for someone to replace him. All of a sudden, the partnership is over and it's likely that it will never be resurrected. 

Such is life with new Seattle Seahawks linebacker, Devin Bush, and his former team in the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers traded up 10 spots in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft to take Bush with the 10th overall pick, but unfortunately, Bush's time in the black and yellow was over before he could get a second contract.

"Sometimes, you know, moving along may be the best case or staying may be the best case," Bush recently told reporters. "Everybody has has their own reasons on why they do things, so, there's never any hard feelings in this business. It's just kind of just what works best for you and your situation. 

"… I thank the Steelers for taking the chance on me and I thank them for the four years that I had there. But it's obviously time to move on."

Bush's first venture into free agency was filled with a lot of unknowns – he didn't even know if he was going to sign with the Seahawks as he flew out to Seattle. But, it didn't take long for him to realize how good of a situation Pete Carroll and co. could offer him.

"Ultimately, when I got there in Seattle, I felt like I was around a bunch of good guys," said Bush. "Coach Carroll is obviously a defensive mind and I'm a defensive player, you know, so that's a good match. I just felt like it was all about competition. I know they just signed Geno [Smith] back so they have a quarterback and everybody needs a quarterback in the NFL to win. 

"So, I feel like it was a it was a growing opportunity and I feel like there's something special brewing there and I want to be a part of it."

And, it's been a partnership the Seahawks have been interested in since Bush was drafted back in 2019.

"I knew early on coming out of college that they were a potential landing spot for me," said Bush. "So, I was always intrigued by that, obviously, you know, with the defense they had. We talked a lot, but obviously it didn't work out, but I mean, things come back around in his business and you never know how things can play out."

Bush has had an inconsistent year, but he showed plenty of promise in his rookie year before tearing his ACL in 2020. That's behind him now, however, and he's ready to get back to the level of play that not only made him a top-10 pick, but had him in the running for Defensive Rookie of the Year.

"As of right now, I'm on the other side of my injury," said Bush. "I dealt with it, I've been through it, and I'm feeling a lot better and I'm feeling like I never felt before, honestly. So I just can't wait to get out there and showcase my talent."

The Seahawks could certainly use that Devin Bush in 2023. Sure, Bobby Wagner is back in the fold at linebacker, but stud starter Jordyn Brooks won't return from his own ACL injury until the back half of the season. Bush has a chance to really carve out a role in this defense and simultaneously revive his career.

If all works out as planned, then the Seahawks have not only found a solution to part of their woes along the front seven of the defense, but they also found a playmaking, team-first linebacker that brings an explosive dynamic in-between the white lines. 

And, Bush will set himself up for that big contract he was hoping he'd get from the Steelers when they drafted him. 

What's not to like about that? All signs point toward this working out and becoming a productive relationship. Now, it's just time to go out and make it happen.