Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Devin Bush. Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Steelers decline to pick up fifth-year option for LB Devin Bush

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 5/2/22

The Pittsburgh Steelers declined the fifth-year option on linebacker Devin Bush's contract, meaning the 23-year-old will enter the 2022 season on an expiring contract.

Steelers declined to pick up the fifth-year option for Linebacker Devin Bush, per source. He now will be playing on an expiring contract.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 2, 2022

Had the Steelers exercised the option, Bush would have been guaranteed $10.892 million for his fifth season.

Pittsburgh selected the Michigan product with the 10th overall pick in the 2019 draft and immediately inserted him into the lineup that following season, during which he logged two interceptions and 109 tackles in his rookie campaign. Bush tore his ACL five games into the 2020 campaign and struggled mightily in 2021 to return to form, logging just 70 tackles last season.

#Steelers made a smart move by declining Devin Bush 5th option. It also admits a first round mistake, for now.

Now it’s up to Bush to put up a big performance for his financial future.

The #Steelers should benefit by what should be a motivated player. It’s up to Devin Bush
— Bob Pompeani (@KDPomp) May 2, 2022

The Steelers are still rounding out their defense ahead of next season. They added veteran linebacker Myles Jack in March, although it remains to be seen how the long-time Jacksonville Jaguar will mesh with Pittsburgh's evolving defense.

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