Don’t be surprised if, as a group, we spend the first part of the 2026 regular season getting to know the members of the Dallas Cowboys defense — because everything is moving toward the direction of having most of the 11 starters as players who weren’t on the roster in 2025.
That’s probably a good thing after Dallas went 7-9-1, missed the playoffs for the second consecutive season, finished 30th in the NFL in team defense and defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus was fired after one season.
Now, with a new defensive coordinator on board in 34-year-old Christian Parker, the Cowboys head into the offseason looking for a makeover on that side of the ball.
Pro Football Focus singled out Cleveland Browns inside linebacker Devin Bush as one player who would be a great fit, calling Dallas the “Top Landing Spot” for the 5-foot-11, 235-pound former University of Michigan star.
Bush was a first round pick (No. 10 overall) by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2019 NFL draft and spent his first 4 seasons there. He spent 1 season with the Seattle Seahawks in 2023 and the last 2 seasons with the Browns.
“Bush revitalized his career in Cleveland,” PFF’s Mason Cameron wrote. “He took on an increased role in 2025 and posted a career-best 87.6 PFF overall grade, third best among qualifying linebackers this season. The 27-year-old linebacker has posted two consecutive seasons with PFF run-defense grades above 85.0, but he sets himself apart with a strong 80.4 PFF coverage grade, as well. The Cowboys have been known to take swings on former first-round picks, and Bush could be the next … Adding Bush to play alongside Logan Wilson, who was acquired at the trade deadline but didn’t find his footing under now-fired defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, should net improvements to the group.”
Difficult Time Recovering From 2020 Injury
Bush, the son of Super Bowl champion safety Devin Bush Sr., was a 2-time All-American in 3 seasons at Michigan, including being named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year in 2018. He ran the 40-yard dash in a blazing, 4.43 seconds at the NFL scouting combine to propel himself into a 4-year, $18.87 million rookie contract.
As a rookie in 2019, Bush wasn’t just one of the best rookie inside linebackers he was one of the NFL’s best inside linebackers. He made the All-Rookie Team with 109 tackles, 1 forced fumble and 2 interceptions. He also led the NFL with 72 solo tackles and 4 fumble recoveries, including one fumble returned for a touchdown.
In 2020, Bush tore his ACL in the sixth game of the season and struggled to get back to his original production until 2025. Bush played primarily on special teams and as a backup linebacker with the Seahawks in 2023.
Breathing Life Back Into Career in Cleveland
Bush, 27 years old, has done nothing less than reclaim his career over the last 2 seasons with the Browns, playing on a 1-year, $1.5 million contract in 2024 then on a 1-year, $3.25 million contract in 2025.
In 2025, Bush started all 17 games and finished with 125 tackles, 7 TFL, 3 interceptions, 2.0 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and 8 pass deflections. He also led the NFL with 164 interception return yards and 2 interceptions returned for touchdowns.
Spotrac currently projects Bush’s market value as a 3-year, $26.6 million contract — an incredible value for that type of production.
Cowboys Urged to Sign Projected $27 Million Former First Round Pick