The Opening Drive 3/10: Best Available Free Agents Remaining and What The Rest Of AFC North Gained and Lost
Examining the Browns signings and departures in day one of free agency, who is still available, and what happened around the division.
The first day of the NFL’s legal tampering period brought some change to the Browns roster. Two defensive contributors departed as the front office moved quickly to reinforce the offensive line. Cleveland saw linebacker Devin Bush and edge rusher Cameron Thomas agree to deals elsewhere. General manager Andrew Berry responded by securing former Chargers guard Zion Johnson to help stabilize an offensive line undergoing a substantial transition this offseason. Let’s discuss some of the movement.
Browns Smart To Lean On Tarver
Bush’s departure is arguably the most impactful loss of the group. Signed by Cleveland as a reclamation project, Bush revived his career in a breakout 2025 season and became one of the defense’s most productive players. He played a central role in the middle of the Browns’ defense, showing range in coverage and contributing as a blitzer and downhill tackler in the run game. Bush is now headed to Chicago on a three-year, $30 million deal. Cleveland loses a player who brought both production and stability to the second level of the defense.
The Browns let Bush walk with Chicago, giving him three years and $30 million, a price the Browns were not willing to pay.
Linebackers coach Jason Tarver has consistently shown the ability to get strong performances from whoever is in his room, developing productive play from a variety of players regardless of pedigree or contract size. Given that track record, the Browns are likely comfortable reallocating those funds elsewhere while trusting Tarver to maximize the talent at the position. It is smart for the Browns to lean into Tarver’s ability to get good play from his linebackers rather than spend $10 million a year on Bush.
