Devin Bush Talks About Steelers Declining Fifth-Year Option

The Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker wasn't hurt by the decision.

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers decided not to pick up former 10th-overall pick Devin Bush's fifth-year option. So, as of now, Bush is set to become a free agent after the 2022 season. 

Bush wasn't hurt by the move. After a down year in 2021 following an ACL injury, it seemed likely the team would let his play this season determine his future with the team. 

"Me and my agent talked about it. We had our discussions," Bush said. "We felt like the team made a decision that they needed to make. We've got to make decisions that we've got to make and do things necessary to move on from it. I wasn't butt hurt. I wasn't pissed off. It's business. That's how I looked at it."

Bush believes his knee is no longer an issue - or a mental hurdle he needs to climb. 

"Before I got hurt, I was doing good. I think I was on the way to being an All-Pro, Pro Bowler," Bush said. "Things happen, you go through some things. I learned a lot along the way. I think it was supposed to happen to me. I'm grateful for it. I'm thankful I get a chance to go out there and play again."

Now, he's set to go back into the ways he played before the injury. He's also ready to show everyone where he could be when healthy. But his mindset isn't proving the team wrong for declining his option. It's simply to get back to his old ways.

"I don't think I have anything to prove. I'm a first-rounder. Top 10 pick. That's never going to change," Bush said. "I don't think I have to prove anything to anybody. More so, I just have to go out there and play football. My mentality is going out there and being a football player again."

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