Cleveland Browns just took their first real hit of NFL free agency, and it leaves a hole Andrew Berry must fill

The Browns are in need of a new starter in the middle of their defense following the exit of one of their own in free agency.

Brandon Little — Ohio State Buckeyes & Cleveland Browns News Writer
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NFL free agency kicked off today with two days of tampering ahead of free agents being able to officially sign new contracts on Wednesday. 

Heading into free agency, the Browns had several holes needing to be filled and those exist. Another hole just came about due to a defensive starter walking in free agency. 

The Browns lose LB Devin Bush to an NFC foe

The former Browns linebacker has agreed to a three-year deal worth $30 million with the Chicago Bears. Bush started 27 of the 33 games he played in for Cleveland over the last two seasons, and leaves as a successful relocation project by GM Andrew Berry.  

Bush signed with the Browns ahead of the 2024 season with the chance to earn a spot as a depth linebacker. This past season, Bush had 125 tackles, two sacks, three interceptions, and two defensive touchdowns for an elite Cleveland defense. 

Browns linebackers coach Jason Tarver has been able to get the most out of his players in Cleveland and Bush is a great example of just that. Bush hadn’t looked like the player drafted in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft until his time in Cleveland where he was able to find himself. 

There was reported interest that the Browns would have liked to bring Bush back, but with it not happening there’s now a hole needing filled. Carson Schwesinger is the top linebacker for the Browns, but they’ll need to add to the position with Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah unlikely to be able to return to the field with his neck injury. 

Bush was a good story for the Browns this past season, and he was paid as a result. 

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