Former Steelers Linebacker's NFL Future In Jeopardy Following Arrest

The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted linebacker Devin Bush in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. The Steelers liked Bush so much they made a big trade, moving up several spots to take him. The speedy linebacker was supposed to come to Pittsburgh and help solidify their linebacking unit. However, after a solid start and injuries, the Steelers and Bush parted ways after his rookie deal was up. Now Bush is with the Cleveland Browns for the 2025 season.

On Sunday, it was revealed by Pittsburgh radio personality Colin Dunlap that Bush has found himself in an unfortunate situation. According to court documents shared by Dunlap on X, Bush was arrested and charged with simple assault and harassment. The news sparked concern and disappointment among fans, many of whom had once hoped Bush would become a cornerstone of Pittsburgh’s defense. 

Bush’s NFL journey has been filled with ups and downs, and this latest development could put his future in serious jeopardy. Once viewed as a long-term solution at inside linebacker, Bush has struggled to recapture the form he showed early in his rookie season. Now with legal issues added to his challenges, his time in Cleveland — and possibly the league — could be in doubt.

Bush appeared to be on the fast track to stardom during his rookie season, even earning consideration for Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. Had he not suffered that devastating ACL injury in 2020, there's a strong argument that his career in Pittsburgh might have taken a very different trajectory. 

Unfortunately, after that injury, it never truly felt like Bush was able to recapture the potential and momentum he had built as a rookie.

Steelers Ex-LB Devin Bush Now With The Browns

After the Steelers let him walk, Bush signed a one-year, $3.5 million deal with the Seattle Seahawks for the 2023 season. He started just three games in Seattle but served as a rotational piece throughout the year. 

In 2024, he landed with the Cleveland Browns on a one-year contract and found more playing time, making 16 appearances (10 starts) while tallying 76 combined tackles, a sack, and three pass deflections. The Browns brought him back in March on another one-year deal worth $3.25 million, betting on his upside in their linebacker room.

This latest news, however, is something Steelers fans aren’t going to be happy to hear. Watching a former first-round pick’s career spiral due to injuries was tough enough, but now seeing him facing legal trouble adds an unfortunate and unexpected chapter to his story.

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