Cleveland Browns to host former Steelers first-rounder Devin Bush for free agency visit

The Cleveland Browns are exploring the possibility of adding former first-round pick Devin Bush to the roster for 2024. They’ll host Bush for a free agency visit on Thursday, according to NFL insider Adam Schefter. The former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker became a free agent on Wednesday as his one-year contract with the Seattle Seahawks expired. Now, he’s considering the Steelers’ AFC North rivals as a potential landing spot.

In his four seasons with the Steelers, Bush posted 286 tackles and four sacks. He also accumulated 13 pass deflections, two interceptions, and five fumble recoveries with one touchdown.

An ACL injury did reduce his production over the last few seasons with Pittsburgh. They did not pick up his fifth-year option, which allowed Bush to depart for the Seahawks. He signed a one-year deal for $3.5 million. In 2023 for Seattle, he posted 37 tackles in 13 games played. He also had six of those tackles go for a loss.

Bush had a successful three-year career at Michigan. It helped him earn a spot as a Top-10 draft pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. He went No. 10 overall in the first round to the Steelers.

Browns pick up QB Jameis Winston

The Cleveland Browns are signing quarterback Jameis Winston to a one-year deal to become Deshaun Watson‘s backup next season. The former Saints signal-caller entered free agency this week after appearing in seven games for New Orleans this season. Though the Browns were reportedly interested in Jacoby Brissett initially, Brissett is signing a one-year deal with the Patriots instead.

Winston fielded plenty of interest but opted to join the Browns where he has a “great relationship” with Deshaun Watson. His new deal is worth up to $8.7 million. Other free agent quarterbacks have signed one-year deals for up to $10 million so far this cycle.

Wintson was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft after winning a Heisman Trophy at Florida State. He has split his nine-year career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the New Orleans Saints, the latter of which he has spent the last four years.

More on the 2024 NFL offseason, free agency

The NFL 2024 calendar year begins at 4 p.m. ET on March 13. At that time, contracts running through 2023 officially run out, making those players free agents. Prior to the beginning of free agency, teams will have a chance to designate one franchise or transition tag player, starting on Feb. 20 at 4 p.m. ET and ending on March 5. Beginning March 11 through March 13 teams can enter into a legal negotiation with players who will become unrestricted free agents.

In addition to NFL free agency, the new year also marks the beginning of all trades being made official by the league office. April 19 marks the deadline to sign restricted free agents to offer sheets. On April 24, the deadline for teams to match restricted free agent offers sheets hits. Following the restricted free agent deadline follows the 2024 NFL Draft, which runs from April 25-27.