The fifth-year option of Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Devin Bush has been declined. The news was first reported by Adam Schefter, confirmed by Trib Live’s Joe Rutter.
It’s no surprise the team did not pick up Bush’s contract, as he’s performed well below the $10.89 million the option would’ve paid him.
Pittsburgh traded up in the first round of the 2019 NFL draft to select Bush 10th overall. He had a promising rookie season, finishing with 109 total tackles and two interceptions.
Bush’s second season ended early after he suffered a non-contact torn ACL in Week 5. Though he returned to play in 2021, he was hindered by a slow recovery physically and mentally.
Bush will have a final season to prove that he’s worth a long-term contract, otherwise, he’ll enter free agency in 2023.
Can confirm the Adam Schefter report that the Steelers have declined the fifth-year option on Devin Bush.
— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) May 2, 2022