The Seahawks had interest in Devin Bush heading into the 2019 draft, but the Michigan standout ended up being the No. 10 overall pick, meaning Seattle was never in the running to obtain him.
Four years later, however, Bush is a Seahawk after signing as a free agent last month, and Bush is looking forward to his opportunity with a new team.
"I know that they liked me coming out in 2019," Bush said when asked about the free-agency process. "I got on the phone with Coach (Pete) Carroll a couple of times, we talked, and we spoke frequently. Ultimately when I got out there in Seattle, I felt like I was around a bunch of good guys. Coach Carroll is obviously defensive minded and I'm a defensive player, so that's a good match. I just felt like they were all about competition. I know that they just signed Geno (Smith) back, so they have a quarterback. Everybody needs a quarterback in the NFL to win, so I felt like it was a growing opportunity. I feel like there is something special brewing there and I want to be a part of it."
Bush signed with Seattle for the reasons mentioned above, but he also did so hoping for one other thing, and he got his wish last month when Bobby Wagner signed with the Seahawks. Bush signed with Seattle knowing that Wagner was still a free agent and hoping that the future Hall of Famer was going to return to the Seahawks, so it was a pretty big bonus for Bush when that signing took place.
"I'm super excited," he said. "Me and my dad were actually talking about it when I signed with Seattle. Bobby was still out there in free agency, and we were just playing around, saying it was a possibility. Once it happened, it was kind of like a dream come true. I can say that he's a potential Hall of Famer and to be able to play alongside of him, I can't ask for a better situation than that.
"I feel like with him being such a veteran and me being a veteran myself, we can kind of feed off of each other, and I think that we can play in multiple spots. I don't think that we have to be sitting in the same spot all of the time."
As a top 10 pick heading to a franchise known for its defenses, Bush arrived in Pittsburgh with a lot of hype, and as a rookie he looked ready to live up to it, recording 109 tackles, nine tackles for loss, four fumble recoveries, four passes defensed and two interceptions, earning a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team while finishing third in defensive rookie of the year voting.
A torn ACL cut short his 2020 season, however, for a number of reasons, that injury included, he never quite found that level of productivity from his rookie season.
"I learned a lot," Bush said of his time in Pittsburgh. "Obviously, I wouldn't say it was up to par, but I had my ups and downs. I think I learned a lot about myself, I learned a lot about this business, and I learned about what I want out of it. I thank the Steelers for taking a chance on me and I thank them for the four years that I had, but it's obviously time to move on, go to different things, and learn some more."
And while there were the ups and downs in recent years, Bush tried to turn even the tough times into learning moments that he believes will help him now in this fresh start with Seattle.
"I got a chance to learn the NFL in my first four years in Pittsburgh," he said. "Pittsburgh didn't always put me on the field, so I was able to watch. As they say, 'Mental reps are also the best reps.' I was able to soak up the game, learn the game, and be able to play the game before the game even got played. I think my film study definitely got better, me paying attention to little cues here and there definitely picked up. I think being able to mesh that with (Bobby) Wagner could definitely be something special."
Another reason Bush expects he can take his game to another level with the Seahawks is that he's feeling better now, from a health standpoint, than he has at any time since his knee injury.
"It was a lot," Bush said of the injury. "It was my first time getting surgery and my first time missing a season in my whole entire career, even from being seven years old. It was all new to me, everything was all new, everything was coming so fast, and everything was moving fast. As of right now, I'm on the other side of my injury. I dealt with it, I've been through it, and I'm feeling a lot better. I'm feeling like I have never felt before, honestly. I just can't wait to get out there and showcase my talent."
Take a look at photos of linebacker Devin Bush from his first four seasons in the NFL. Bush signed with the Seahawks as a free agent on March 17, 2023. Read more.
University of Michigan linebacker Devin Bush prepares to throw out the first pitch before the baseball game between the Detroit Tigers and the Cleveland Indians, Thursday, April 11, 2019, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
University of Michigan linebacker Devin Bush throws out the first pitch before the baseball game between the Detroit Tigers and the Cleveland Indians, Thursday, April 11, 2019, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Michigan linebacker Devin Bush celebrates backstage after being selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 2019 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tenn. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Michigan linebacker Devin Bush poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Bush in the first round at the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 25, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Pittsburgh Steelers first-round draft choice in the NFL Draft Devin Bush, right, answers questions beside team president Art Rooney II, left, during a football news conference, Friday, April 26, 2019, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
Pittsburgh Steelers' first round draft choice in the 2019 NFL football draft, Devin Bush wears blue suede shoes during a news conference, Friday, April 26, 2019, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
Pittsburgh Steelers first-round draft choice in the NFL Draft Devin Bush answers questions during a football news conference, Friday, April 26, 2019, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Devin Bush (55) during NFL football practice, Friday, May 10, 2019, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Devin Bush (55) during an NFL football training camp practice in Latrobe, Pa., Friday, July 26, 2019. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Devin Bush (55) during an NFL football training camp practice in Latrobe, Pa., Sunday, July 28, 2019. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Devin Bush (55), left, and running back Jaylen Samuels (38) battle during an NFL football training camp practice in Latrobe, Pa., Sunday, July 28, 2019. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Devin Bush (55) lines up during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Pittsburgh, Friday, Aug. 9, 2019. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Devin Bush (55) stands on the sidelines during the second half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Pittsburgh, Friday, Aug. 9, 2019. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Devin Bush arrives for an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Seattle Seahawks running back Rashaad Penny (20) is tackled by Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Devin Bush (55) and Terrell Edmunds (34) during an NFL football game , Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Devin Bush, right, and Seattle Seahawks defensive back Lano Hill, left, swap game jerseys after an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019. The Seahawks won 28-26. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Devin Bush (55) tackles San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk (44) during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Devin Bush celebrates a touchdown after picking up a backward pass by Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Devin Bush celebrates his touchdown during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Devin Bush (55) runs the ball for a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019 in Carson, Calif. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Devin Bush (55) on the sidelines during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019 in Carson, Calif. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Devin Bush (55) plays air-guitar as he celebrates against the Cleveland Browns during an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Devin Bush (55) during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) tries to get past Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Devin Bush (55) on a scramble during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Devin Bush (55) Cele braves after making a play against the Philadelphia Eagles during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Devin Bush (55) leads the defensive huddle before an NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA (AP Photo/Matt Durisko)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Devin Bush (55) on the sideline against the Detroit Lions during the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Fred Vuich)
Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Devin Bush (55) celebrates after recovering a fumble during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021 in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Durisko)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Devin Bush (55) sits on the bench during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Kirk Irwin)
Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Devin Bush (55) dances during a timeout during an NFL football game, Monday, November 8, 2021 in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Durisko)
Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Devin Bush (55) runs onto the field during introductions before an NFL football game, Sunday, November 14, 2021 in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Durisko)
Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Devin Bush (55) defends during an NFL football game, Sunday, November 14, 2021 in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Durisko)
Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Devin Bush (55) tackles Detroit Lions running back Godwin Igwebuike (35) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 14, 2021, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Devin Bush (55) plays in an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Nov. 14, 2021, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Devin Bush (55) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday Nov. 21, 2021 in Inglewood, Calif. The Chargers defeated the Steelers 41-37. (John McGillen via AP)
Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Devin Bush (55) runs onto the field before an NFL football game, Sunday, December 19, 2021 in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Durisko)
Tennessee Titans running back D'Onta Foreman (7) runs the ball towards Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Devin Bush (55) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 19, 2021, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Devin Bush (55) heads to the locker room following an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans in Pittsburgh, Monday, Dec. 20, 2021. The Steelers won 19-13. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Devin Bush (55) goes through drills during an NFL football practice, Tuesday, June 7, 2022, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Devin Bush takes part in drills during practice at their NFL football training camp facility in Latrobe, Pa., Wednesday, July 27, 2022. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Robert Spillane (41) talks with Devin Bush as they walk to a drill during NFL football training camp in Latrobe, Pa., Thursday, Aug. 18, 2022. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) runs after the catch as he is pursued by Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Devin Bush (55) during an NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 20, 2022 in Jacksonville, Fla. The Steelers defeat the Jaguars 16-15. (AP Photo/Peter Joneleit)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Devin Bush watches from the sideline during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Saturday, Aug. 20, 2022, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Devin Bush (55) runs off of the line of scrimmage during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Sep. 11, 2022, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Kirk Irwin)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Devin Bush (55) reacts during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 18, 2022, in Pittsburgh, PA. (AP Photo/Matt Durisko)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Devin Bush (55) is announced before an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022, in Pittsburgh, PA. (AP Photo/Matt Durisko)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Devin Bush warms up before an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Devin Bush (55) lines up on defense during an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Monday, Nov. 28, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota (1) passes the ball as Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Devin Bush (55) makes a hit during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
