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Is Devin Bush the Bears' Defensive Weakest Link?
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- Is Devin Bush the Bears' Defensive Weakest Link?
One of the Chicago Bears' biggest offseason signings was free-agent linebacker Devin Bush . The former No. 10 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft is now on his fourth team in five seasons. His rookie season showed plenty of promise, but after suffering an ACL injury in his second season, he never looked the same. The Steelers eventually benched him, and he didn't become a serviceable player again until his second season with the Cleveland Browns . His 2025 season was the best of his career.
However, despite the Bears having one of the best defenses in the NFL, Bush has easily been its weakest link. His performance has not matched what the Bears and NFL fans saw from him in 2025 with the Browns. He is doing just enough to get by in this defense, and the Bears may have to live with him as their starter while their other options deal with injuries.
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Bush Is One of the Worst-Graded ILBs in the NFL
Aug 15, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Devin Bush (12) reacts against the Cleveland Browns during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images
Some fans may think this is an overreaction. Perhaps it is. It's still early in the season, and Bush could suddenly find his form again. But here is what isn't an overreaction: Bush ranks 62nd among 74 eligible inside linebackers in PFF grading .
Granted, PFF grades aren't bulletproof, but in Bush's case, the numbers match what shows up on film. His biggest weakness by far has been his run support.
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Bush currently carries a ghastly 29.8 grade , which ranks dead last among qualified inside linebackers in the NFL. In the NFC North, inside linebackers and the front seven in general have to perform better than this. Bush loses too often in the run game, whether a lineman or wide receiver blocks him. For a $30 million investment, Chicago should be getting more production.
His counterpart, T.J. Edwards, has carried most of the weight at inside linebacker for the Bears in 2026 . Edwards ranks as the 15th-best graded ILB. This situation looks similar to what Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger did for Bush in Cleveland.
Bears May Need to Find His 2027 Replacement
Aug 15, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Quinshon Judkins (10) runs the ball against Chicago Bears linebacker Devin Bush (12) during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
Bush needs to be better. If he can't turn things around, his stint in Chicago could be short-lived, and the Bears may need to find his replacement. Again, it is still early in the season, and Bush is playing in a new system.
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However, his time in Pittsburgh and Seattle showed what Bush looks like at his worst. Some of those same issues, particularly his physicality in the run game, are beginning to show once again.
Can Bush get things turned around before his struggles become a bigger problem for one of the NFL's best defenses?
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Oct 7, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
