In the NFL, the pursuit of championships often hinges on strategic moves, particularly when it comes to player acquisitions. For the Dallas Cowboys, a team that has boasted a strong defense over the last few seasons, the addition of another elite player could be the missing piece to elevate them from playoff contenders to Super Bowl favorites. That’s why many experts and fans alike have been calling for the Cowboys to sign a player who could solidify their defense even further—a former Pro Bowler who recently found himself on the open market: Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker, *T.J. Watt’s* former running mate, *Devin Bush.*
Currently a free agent after a rocky tenure with the Steelers, Bush has shown flashes of elite play in his young career, earning Pro Bowl honors in 2019. Now, at 24 years old, he’s looking for a fresh start and a new opportunity. The Cowboys, who are looking to bolster their already formidable defense, could be the perfect fit for the former 10th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. Let’s take a closer look at why the Cowboys should make a strong push to sign Bush and how he could impact their defense.
### The Cowboys’ Defensive Strengths and Needs
Under defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, the Cowboys’ defense has undergone a transformation. Since Quinn’s arrival in 2021, the team’s defense has been one of the best in the NFL, with an aggressive pass rush, strong secondary, and a dominant front seven. Players like Micah Parsons, Trevon Diggs, and DeMarcus Lawrence have become household names, and the Cowboys have established themselves as one of the league’s premier defensive units.
However, despite their success, there are still areas on defense where they could improve. In particular, linebacker has been a position of concern for Dallas. While Leighton Vander Esch has had a resurgence in recent seasons, and rookie Damone Clark is showing promise, the Cowboys have lacked a true, elite-level middle linebacker who can be a playmaker against both the run and the pass. This is where Bush comes into play.
### A Pro Bowler in His Prime: Why Bush is the Ideal Fit
Devin Bush’s potential was evident from the start of his career. Drafted by the Steelers as the 10th overall pick in 2019, Bush was expected to be the cornerstone of Pittsburgh’s linebacker corps for years to come. His blend of speed, agility, and instinct made him one of the most exciting linebacker prospects in recent memory. In his rookie season, Bush wasted no time in proving his worth, recording 109 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 4 passes defended, earning a spot in the Pro Bowl.
However, things have not gone as smoothly in the years since. In 2020, Bush tore his ACL, a devastating injury that sidelined him for much of the season. While he returned in 2021, his play has not been as sharp as it once was, with many pointing to the aftereffects of the knee injury and a lack of consistency in Pittsburgh’s defense. In 2022, Bush’s role diminished, and he found himself in a battle for playing time with fellow linebacker Myles Jack. Despite this, his talent is undeniable, and at just 24 years old, Bush still has plenty of upside.
For the Cowboys, adding a player like Bush would provide several benefits. First, it would give them a proven linebacker who has the potential to return to his Pro Bowl form. Bush’s ability to cover the middle of the field, read plays, and make tackles in space would be an asset to a defense that already excels at rushing the passer and covering the edges. His speed would help the Cowboys match up better against fast offenses, and his football IQ could help him thrive in Dan Quinn’s system, which is known for being aggressive and multifaceted.
### Why Bush is a Potential Game-Changer for Dallas
1. **Run Defense and Tackling**
One of the Cowboys’ main weaknesses over the past few seasons has been defending the run. While the defensive line has been stout, their linebackers have often struggled to fill gaps and make plays against elite running backs. Bush, when healthy, has shown the ability to diagnose running plays and use his quickness to get to the ball carrier. His sideline-to-sideline range would help shore up the Cowboys’ defense, allowing them to become more balanced and capable of stopping both the run and the pass.
2. **Pass Coverage**
In today’s NFL, linebackers must be able to cover running backs, tight ends, and even wide receivers in passing situations. Bush is known for his ability to match up against these players in coverage, something the Cowboys could use more of. His athleticism and speed allow him to be a versatile defender, one who can cover ground quickly and disrupt passing lanes. In a division like the NFC East, where teams like the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders rely heavily on their passing attacks, a linebacker like Bush could prove to be a critical weapon in neutralizing those offenses.
3. **Youth and Upside**
At just 24 years old, Bush still has plenty of room for development. He’s shown the ability to be an elite linebacker in his first few seasons in the NFL, and with a fresh start in a new system, he could return to his Pro Bowl form. The Cowboys have made a habit of signing players with something to prove, and Bush fits that mold perfectly. If he can return to full health and regain the form that made him a top 10 pick in the draft, the Cowboys could have a game-changing player on their hands for years to come.
4. **Adding Depth to an Already Strong Defense**
The Cowboys’ defense has been among the best in the league, but even elite units can benefit from depth. Adding a player like Bush would provide Quinn with more flexibility and options in how he deploys his defense. Whether it’s rotating players to keep everyone fresh or using Bush in a variety of roles to confuse opposing offenses, Bush would allow Dallas to become even more dynamic and unpredictable on that side of the ball.
### Financial Considerations: Why the Cowboys Should Act Quickly
Bush’s market value is still relatively low considering his injury history and recent struggles, making this an opportune time for the Cowboys to swoop in. With a cap hit of approximately $13 million in his final year with the Steelers, Bush might be available at a more affordable rate than expected. The Cowboys, who have cap space to work with, could sign Bush to a reasonable contract that reflects both his potential and the financial constraints of the team.
This affordability could be a key selling point for Dallas, especially as they continue to build their roster around their young core. Adding Bush to a defense already featuring stars like Micah Parsons, Trevon Diggs, and DeMarcus Lawrence would give the Cowboys one of the most formidable defensive units in the entire league.
### The Competitive Edge
With the NFC East looking as competitive as ever, adding a player like Bush could give the Cowboys a significant edge over their rivals. Both the Eagles and Commanders have bolstered their defenses in recent seasons, and the Cowboys will need to keep up with that trend if they hope to remain a Super Bowl contender. A healthy, revitalized Devin Bush could be the key piece that helps Dallas keep pace and take their defense to the next level.
### Conclusion
In a league where defenses often make the difference between a playoff berth and a Super Bowl championship, adding a former Pro Bowler like Devin Bush could be a game-changer for the Dallas Cowboys. Bush’s combination of speed, coverage skills, and potential for growth would give the Cowboys even more firepower on a defense that is already among the league’s elite.
With the Cowboys’ championship window wide open and their defense already performing at a high level, it’s time for them to make a move. The addition of Bush would not only strengthen their linebacker corps but also signal their intent to make a serious run at the Super Bowl. If they act quickly, they could land a talented, motivated player ready to prove that he’s still among the best linebackers in the NFL.