Seahawks LB Devin Bush: Seattle's Next Comeback Player of Year?
The Seattle Seahawks have proven that a major focus of this offseason was to add talent and depth to the defensive front. While on-field results are obviously still TBD, it certainly appears that they improved in that regard through the draft and free agency.
But while the return of linebacker Bobby Wagner, the signing of defensive lineman Dre'Mont Jones and the selections of rookies Derick Hall and Mike Morris have all taken most of the attention, the signing of former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Devin Bush could be one that pays the most dividends after the Seahawks signed him to a one-year, $3.5 million contract.
He played all 17 games last season in Pittsburgh despite being two years removed from an ACL tear. Bush posted 81 total tackles and had two passes defended, a slightly down year considering what he did his rookie season, which saw him finish with 109 total tackles, four fumble recoveries and two interceptions.
Despite that though, his ACL injury created a cloud of uncertainty for his future headed into this offseason. But the Seahawks added him on a bargain deal, one that could prove to be quite worth it if CBS Sports' recent predictions comes to fruition.
The site revealed its list of potential comeback candidates for next season and had Bush as one of four players included. The Seahawks already saw quarterback Geno Smith win Comeback Player of the Year last season, so why not make it back-to-back winners for Seattle?
Here's why CBS Sports thinks Bush could have a comeback-like debut season in Seattle:
"Playing behind what should be a bolstered pass-rush unit in Seattle, Bush should get more opportunities to make plays on footballs thrown on hurried tosses from opposing quarterbacks," CBS Sports writes. "Playing next to Bobby Wagner will be a godsend for the uber-talented, highly aggressive Bush. I know the Seahawks love him, but I won't be stunned when Bush outplays fellow former first-rounder Jordyn Brooks in 2023. I'm that into Bush's career revitalization with Carroll."
Bush's production as a rookie shows the kind of ceiling he's capable of reaching. Getting close to the 100-tackle mark along with adding a handful of turnovers like he did in 2019 would certainly put the 24-year-old in the conversation for Comeback Player of the Year considering the contract he's playing on.
Even being in contention for the award would mean that Seattle's defense has improved by default, as Bush will be surrounded by a slew of other talented players that have higher expectations than him. If the Seahawks can get Bush to exceed his contract value combined with potentially elite play from Jones, Wagner, Tariq Woolen and more, they will be a major threat in the NFC.
You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7
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