The Pittsburgh Steelers are still in the process of identifying their next GM following the 2022 NFL Draft following Kevin Colbert's decision to step down. That hasn't stopped the franchise from making some big decisions for the future as they search for their next GM. According to ESPN's Brooke Pryor, the Steelers have elected to decline the fifth-year option on linebacker Devin Bush, meaning he'll hit free agency when at the end of the season when his rookie contract expires.
Steelers declining ILB Devin Bush’s fifth-year option, per @AdamSchefter. Not a huge surprise, but now official.
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) May 2, 2022
This move shouldn't come as a major shock to Steelers fans, but the official decision has been made regarding Bush's future with the team. The former first-round pick, whom the Steelers traded up in the 2019 NFL Draft to acquire, has been disappointing since joining the team.
Bush enjoyed a strong rookie season that saw him finish third in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting. He started 15 games for the Steelers, recording 109 tackles, 2 interceptions, 4 fumble recoveries, and 9 tackles for loss. His 2020 season was cut short due to an ACL injury, after which he has not returned as the same caliber player.
He featured in 14 games last year for the Steelers, logging 70 tackles, 2.0 sacks, 4 QB hits, and a forced fumble, but failed to make the same impact he did as a rookie. Heading into his fourth year in the league, the Steelers made the decision to decline his fifth-year option, putting his future with the team in serious jeopardy.
Bush will be looking to bounce back in Year 4 ahead of free agency and show that he can still compete at a high level the way he did before the knee injury in 2020. The decision to decline his option was made easier after the Steelers signed Myles Jack in the offseason.
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