The Dallas Cowboys are at a crossroads in the 2025 NFL season, sitting in second place in the NFC East and eyeing a playoff push. With a glaring need to bolster their defense, particularly at linebacker, the Cowboys are in prime position to be buyers at the trade deadline. One intriguing proposal from Mauricio Rodriguez of A to Z Sports suggests targeting Cleveland Browns’ linebacker Devin Bush, a 27-year-old veteran who could be the key to fixing Dallas’ defensive woes.
Bush, a 68-game ironman known for his durability, has quietly been a solid contributor for the Browns. With 31 tackles and one sack this season, he’s proven himself as a reliable run stopper while holding his own in pass coverage. Rodriguez highlights Bush as an underrated trade target, noting that his acquisition would cost the Cowboys little—potentially just a Day 3 draft pick swap, according to Browns expert Brandon Little.
The Cowboys’ linebacker room needs an upgrade, even with DeMarvion Overshown expected to return in Week 11. Bush’s experience and versatility make him an ideal addition to a defense that has struggled to find consistency. His ability to stop the run and avoid being a liability in coverage could provide the stability Dallas needs to compete with the NFC’s elite.
Owner Jerry Jones has made it clear that the Cowboys are in a strong position to make moves. In a recent appearance on 105.3 The Fan, Jones emphasized the team’s robust draft capital and salary cap flexibility, stating, “We’re in as good of shape as we’ve ever been if we see a way to improve our team with a player that makes sense today, this year, next year to entertain it and look at it.”
However, Jones remains cautious, wary of squandering assets unless the team is a legitimate Super Bowl contender. “Just because we played well, all of a sudden everybody thinks, boy, you’re in the hunt, so it’s time to go out and gather up all of this talent that’s waiting around out here on the trees,” he said. Despite this, the low cost of acquiring Bush makes this trade a low-risk, high-reward opportunity for Dallas to address a critical need without depleting their resources.
While the Cowboys see Bush as a prime target, the Cleveland Browns’ plans remain uncertain. Initially viewed as potential sellers, the Browns might not be ready to part with key veterans like Bush. According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, the Browns are leaning toward being buyers in a buyer’s market, looking to add talent rather than trade it away. However, Cabot notes that Cleveland could consider moving veterans who are “on the decline” or could help contending teams like the Cowboys in exchange for assets.
Bush, at 27 and still in his prime, doesn’t perfectly fit the mold of a declining veteran, which could make negotiations tricky. If the Browns decide to hold onto him, Dallas may need to sweeten their offer or shift focus to other targets. Still, the proposed Day 3 pick swap is a low enough price that Cleveland might be tempted if they prioritize future draft capital.
Acquiring Devin Bush could be the blockbuster move that transforms the Cowboys’ defense into a championship-caliber unit. His durability, tackling prowess, and coverage skills would provide an immediate upgrade at linebacker, complementing Overshown’s return and giving Dallas a formidable front seven. With Jones’ confidence in the team’s financial and draft assets, the Cowboys are well-positioned to make this deal happen—if the Browns are willing to play ball.
As the trade deadline approaches, all eyes will be on Jerry Jones to see if he pulls the trigger on this deal. For a team with Super Bowl aspirations, adding a player like Bush could be the missing piece to finally fixing their defense and making a deep playoff run.